George Soros Says He'd Invest $1 Billion to Save Ukraine From Russia — but He Has Some Conditions

George Soros, the multibillionaire with a checkered investing history and a hunger for left-wing activism, wants to save Ukraine.

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In an interview published Monday, the Hungarian-born business giant told the Austrian newspaper Der Standard that he will pledge $1 billion to Ukraine — if the rest of the West will pitch in to support the Eastern European nation against Russian aggression.

"The West can help Ukraine by increasing attractiveness for investors," Soros said. "A political risk insurance is necessary. This could take the form of mezzanine financing at EU interest rates — very close to zero."

Soros has long pushed for a $50 billion financing package to aid Ukraine, Reuters noted.

"I stand ready," Soros said. "There are concrete investment ideas, for example in agriculture and infrastructure projects. I would put in $1 billion."

Of course, Soros added a caveat besides saying other Western investors and institutions must join him for a financial rescue of Ukraine to work.

"Benevolent investors do not exist," Soros said. "This must generate a profit."

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