Zelenskyy: Reconstruction of Ukraine should start now

Kateryna Tyshchenko — Monday, 4 July 2022, 22:41

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasises that the reconstruction of Ukraine should start now rather than after victory in the war.

Source: Presidential video address

Quote: "When they talk about reconstruction, the emphasis is often misplaced. It is not only about what we should do after our victory or in the years to come. Yet, above all, [it is about] what we need to do right now."

"And we have to do it together with our partners, with the entire democratic world. [We have to] do it now."

Details: Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had already liberated over a thousand settlements from Russian forces, with "new ones being added every week", including in southern Ukraine.

"All of them have suffered large-scale destruction. This also means the need for colossal funds for the restoration of infrastructure, to restore medicine and social services, and for the restoration of normal economic life. There are tens of thousands of destroyed residential buildings in the liberated areas alone. And we also need to prepare schools and universities for the new academic year across the entire free territory of the country and under new conditions of constant threat, in particular missile strikes," he said.

The President also noted that it is necessary to prepare for winter in order to let the season pass calmly despite the threats posed by Russia.

"A significant part of the economy has been destroyed by hostilities and Russian strikes. Thousands of enterprises are out of business. This means a high need for jobs, for ensuring social benefits despite the decrease in tax revenues," Zelenskyy added.

Previously: The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022) began in the Swiss city of Lugano on Monday and will last for two days. More than 40 states and more than 20 international organisations have been invited to participate in the conference.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who spoke remotely, outlined his vision for reconstruction and also stressed the need for reforms.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the creation of an EU platform for rebuilding Ukraine after the war unleashed by Russia.