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George Soros wants to invest $1bn in Ukraine but calls for Western support

George Soros said Western support could make Ukraine more attractive to investors
George Soros said Western support could make Ukraine more attractive to investors

Billionaire financier George Soros has said he is ready to invest $1bn in Ukraine, if Western countries help private investment there. 

He also put the odds of Greece leaving the euro at a third, in an interview with Austrian newspaper Der Standard.

Mr Soros has previously urged the West to step up aid to Ukraine, outlining steps towards a $50bn financing package that he said should be viewed as a bulwark against an increasingly aggressive Russia.

"The West can help Ukraine by increasing attractiveness for investors. A political risk insurance is necessary," he said. 

"This could take the form of mezzanine financing at EU interest rates - very close to zero," he said in an interview published today.

"I stand ready. There are concrete investment ideas, for example in agriculture and infrastructure projects. I would put in $1bn. This must generate a profit. My foundation would benefit from this ... Private engagement needs strong political leadership."

The Hungarian-born hedge fund magnate, who made his name betting against the pound in 1992, also put the chance of Greece leaving the euro zone at a third. 

Last week he put it at 50:50.