Groundwork for transformation. According to Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, “Ukraine is not simply rebuilding what was lost”, it is “laying the groundwork for transformation—strengthening institutions, accelerating reforms, and forging a resilient, modern economy aligned with European values”.
- First Deputy Prime Minister Svyrydenko wrote this in an article published by our sister magazine Formiche, whose latest issue focuses on the upcoming Ukraine reconstruction conference, set to take place in Rome later this week.
- The conference is focused on delivering “tangible results,” wrote Svyrydenko, as it “seeks to secure new agreements, attract investments, and enhance coordination among stakeholders.”
- “Ukraine enters the conference with a clear strategy, a dynamic reform agenda, and the determination to succeed”, she added, stressing the need to work with partners “to build a future that is secure, prosperous, and European” for the country.
Economic cost. More than three years after the outbreak of the Russian full‑scale invasion, Ukraine is experiencing material damage estimated at around USD 176 billion.
- Among the hardest‑hit sectors is energy.
- “Since February 2022, Ukraine’s energy system has suffered over 64,000 instances of damage,” wrote German Galushchenko, Minister of Energy of Ukraine. “This is an unprecedented level of destruction for any European country in the 21st century”, he added.
- According to the minister, the conference “is not just a diplomatic event,” as it “showcases how Ukraine, supported by international partners, is building not only its own future but also the energy security of all Europe”.
- “Together, we are building a world where Russian energy blackmail no longer exists, and European values of energy independence and sustainability become a shared reality”, he added.
International contributions and outlook. The magazine’s edition features numerous contributions, including those of the Ukrainian Ambassador to Rome, Yaroslav Melnyk, and the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani.
- “Rebuilding Ukraine with Western standards is a truly historic opportunity, as well as a worthy undertaking,” Minister Tajani wrote.
- “In this spirit,” Italy is working for “a successful outcome” of the conference, he added.
