DUSHANBE, March 30, 2015, Asia-Plus – Reuters reports that billionaire financier George Soros is ready to invest $1 billion 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 .

Soros has previously urged the West to step up aid to Ukraine, outlining steps towards a $50 billion 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.  This could take the form of mezzanine financing at EU interest rates -- very close to zero,” he said in an interview published on March 30.

“I stand ready.  There are concrete investment ideas, for example in agriculture and infrastructure projects. I would put in $1 billion. 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, Reuters reports.