A two-day conference on Ukraine's recovery, the Ukrainian Recovery Conference, began today in Rome. A few minutes before the opening, footage of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities was shown.
Ukraine is represented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government team. Leaders from various countries and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are participating.
The private sector, interested in the reconstruction of Ukraine, is also present. In particular, representatives of 500 Italian companies. There are also representatives of international and public organisations.
"We hope that we will finally see the end of this terrible war. At the same time, reconstruction and recovery are needed during the war," said the Deputy Prime Minister of Italy in his opening remarks.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted the large number of participants.
‘It is extremely impressive how many countries are represented here,’ she commented.
Meloni stressed that Russia is intensifying its attacks on Ukraine and trying to bring darkness, hunger and fear.
President Zelenskyy was next to speak, and he was greeted with prolonged applause. He recalled that Russia had launched a massive strike during the night, including with Iranian drones that it had modified.
"Ukrainians are now facing attacks by hundreds of drones every night. Last night, they launched more than 700 drones and missiles. Tonight, there were about 400, and they are trying to do this as often as possible. And this is exactly what Putin wants: for our people to suffer, to flee Ukraine, for homes, schools, and lives to be destroyed not only near the front line," the president said.
He added that it is now clear that Putin has rejected every peace proposal.
URC 2025
The event website notes that this is the fourth Ukrainian Recovery Conference, continuing an annual series of high-level political events on rapid recovery and long-term reconstruction since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
Governments, international organisations, financial institutions, businesses, regions, municipalities and civil society will come together, united by a shared commitment to strengthening Ukraine's resilience for as long as it takes. Participants will represent a diverse range of stakeholders, demonstrating their strong commitment to Ukraine's future.
Similar events, but focused on reforms rather than Ukraine's recovery, have been held since 2017. The first Ukraine Reform Conference was hosted by London, followed by Copenhagen, Toronto and Vilnius. After the start of the full-scale war, the format of the events changed, as recovery from the damage caused by the enemy is one of the main tasks.
Events dedicated to recovery have been held in Lugano, London, and Berlin.
This year's conference will focus on:
- mobilising the private sector for reconstruction and economic growth
- social recovery and human capital for Ukraine's future
- the recovery of municipalities and regions
- EU accession and related reforms