The myth of Ukraine as “an economic superpower and breadbasket of Europe” that was feeding Russia and other republics, writes Serhii Plokhy, was “ingrained in the minds of the country’s inhabitants.”118 The recognition of the United States, the most powerful and wealthiest country in the world, meant that a separate Ukraine would flourish, not perish. This myth would soon be painfully dashed. Ukraine’s economy would tank, not soar. And US recognition would not be matched by financial generosity or investments.
