GDP structure of Ukraine. Economic development of Ukraine after gaining independence

The history of Ukraine as a separate state begins on August 24, 1991 - the day the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR adopted an act of independence. The referendum held on December 1, 1991 overwhelmingly approved this decision. What successes did the young state achieve in 30 years?

The Legacy of the USSR

Until the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine remained the most developed republic in its composition. The industry of Ukraine had more than 300 branches. She achieved the greatest success in metallurgy, power engineering, machine building, mining and chemical industries, and agriculture.

Here are just a few indicators of the republic in the USSR:

• 50% of the extraction of iron ore;
• 36% of steel production;
• 62% of sugar production;
• 32% of vegetable oil;
• 71% of livestock products.

In addition, the military-industrial complex was developed. Famous ballistic missiles "Satan" were collected in Dnepropetrovsk Yuzhmash.

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The GDP of Ukraine in 1991 amounted to 81.5 billion dollars. The severance of economic ties and the economic recession in all the republics of the former USSR caused a protracted crisis in Ukraine. The most difficult year was 1999, when Ukraine's GDP fell to 40.8 billion.

As a result of the crisis, many high-tech industries were killed. The main export items of Ukraine were agriculture, metallurgy and the chemical industry. The growth of Ukraine's GDP was also not helped by political instability in the country. The population of Ukraine was divided roughly into 2 parts. One can be roughly called pro-Western, the other - pro-Russian.

As a result, Ukraine all this time could not decide on the development strategy. The change of the president was accompanied by a change of course - towards the West or Russia. During one of these political exacerbations, a gas conflict with Russia took place, as a result of which the price of imported gas rose sharply. This was another blow to the Ukrainian industry.

The dramatic events of 2014 and did put an end to the cooperation of the two countries. The crisis crashed the car industry. The release of new cars has practically ceased. Ukraine, whose per capita GDP was already low, fell by 111 in the world in this indicator.

The weakness of the central government is also a distinctive feature of Ukraine. Privatization in Russia and Ukraine took place in a similar way. As a result, the most profitable industries were in the hands of a narrow layer. Any president of Ukraine must inevitably reckon with the interests of oligarchic clans, who have gained considerable independence, participate in political life, control the media, and conduct between themselves a subversive struggle, the echoes of which appear in newspapers and on television.

Another problem is the conflict between the president and parliament. The parties pulled power over themselves, as a result, Ukraine for its short history was the presidential and parliamentary republic. Such conditions do not contribute to the inflow of investments, nor to the development of science-intensive technologies. The structure of the economy has been constantly simplified, the main export item has been rolled metal and agricultural products.

Comparison of the living standards of Russia and Ukraine

Despite the fact that all macroeconomic indicators in Russia are higher than in Ukraine, the standard of living in these countries until recently was comparable. The difference in salaries was compensated for by much lower prices, primarily for food. On average, they cost 30-50% cheaper in Ukraine. Housing services were also much more expensive until 2014 in Russia.

In 2014-2015, Ukraine was forced under the pressure of the IMF to raise tariffs for electricity, gas and heat for the population. These measures were designed to equalize the balance of payments, but they caused a sharp impoverishment of the population. Ukraine today resembles Russia in the early 1990s with the same problems - unrest in the regions, a low standard of living, huge public debt and dependence on external creditors.

Industry of Ukraine by regions

If you look at the GDP statistics of Ukraine by regions, it turns out that the main contribution to its formation is made by Donetsk, Lugansk, Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions. Lugansk and Donetsk regions form a single industrial complex - Donbass.

Their contribution to the economy of the country is 17% of GDP. It concentrates almost all the coal mining industry and many metallurgical enterprises. Well developed livestock and agriculture. The share of arable land in these areas reaches 80%.

Dnepropetrovsk region has the richest deposits of iron ores and non-ferrous metals. Along with the smelting of metal, it became famous for its mechanical engineering and production in the space and rocket industries.

The leader in the contribution of GDP is Kiev with 18.9%. This is the financial and scientific center of Ukraine. But here it is worth considering that many of the largest enterprises are registered in the capital, and activities are conducted in other areas.

The western regions are poorly developed economically. This region lives mainly due to agriculture and trade. The only exception is that of Lviv, where there is industrial production. In the northeast of Ukraine, the chemical industry is well developed.

Dynamics of GDP change in Ukraine by years

During its independence, Ukraine experienced several downs and downs. According to the schedule of GDP changes, several points can be singled out. From 1992 to 1999 there was a fall in GDP. Then, GDP growth was observed for 8 years, but the global crisis of 2008 also hit Ukraine, which coincided with a gas conflict with Russia and disagreements between President V. Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

By 2012, we managed to achieve economic stabilization, but not for long. Until 2014, a small drop in production continued. The resignation of President Yanukovych and the subsequent separation of the Crimea and the war in the Donbass led to a new crisis.

Prospects and forecasts

In the light of the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, there can be no question of stability. The fall of the hryvnia to 3 times exacerbated the problem of external debt. Now it has already exceeded the 100% GDP mark. Many experts expect a default on Ukraine's foreign obligations this year. Against this background, the fall in Ukraine's GDP by 9% seems extremely optimistic. The stabilization of the economy, first of all, depends on the cessation of military confrontation.