Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Wednesday that "Ukraine has succeeded in making the European Union more united than ever and NATO stronger." Speaking via video during a conference in London on Ukraine's reconstruction, Zelensky remarked that "Russia has destroyed freedom of navigation in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea," noting that "the grain crisis has highlighted Ukraine's importance in strengthening global food security." He added, "Russia's invasion was not only to steal our resources but also out of concern for democracy, which paves the way for the rule of law and the fight against corruption."
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in his opening remarks, emphasized that "Russia must pay the price for the devastation it has caused in Ukraine," referring to efforts to "redirect frozen Russian funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine." Sunak stated, "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged to manage reconstruction funds transparently, and we will provide Ukraine with loans worth $3 billion." He clarified that "more than 400 companies from 38 countries will participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine," committing to "support Ukraine on the battlefield and beyond," while stressing "the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses." Sunak noted that "Ukraine is facing complex challenges after Russia destroyed energy stations."
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also revealed that "the United States will provide additional aid to Ukraine valued at more than $1.3 billion for recovery from the war and rebuilding the energy grid." During the conference, he mentioned, "We will invest $520 million to help Ukraine repair its energy network."
For her part, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, discussing investment plans in Ukraine on Wednesday, stated that "the European Union has a special responsibility towards that country in the long term," highlighting that "this is to meet Ukraine's urgent needs, but let us talk about the future. I believe the EU has a special responsibility." She added, "Ukrainians tell us that when they envision their future, they see the European flag waving over their cities. I have no doubt that Ukraine will be part of our Union."
Since the onset of the Russian military operation on February 24 last year, Ukraine has received financial and military support from its allies estimated at tens of billions of dollars.
