A landmark conference on Ukraine's post-war reconstruction opened in Gdansk, Poland, on Thursday. The event, aimed at rallying international support for Ukraine's recovery, is being overshadowed by a diplomatic row between Kyiv and Warsaw. President Volodymyr Zelensky is not attending the summit due to the ongoing dispute. Instead, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is leading the Ukrainian delegation.
Summit Goals and Attendees
The conference brings together leaders from Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Sweden, along with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council head Antonio Costa. The summit seeks to encourage businesses and countries to invest in Ukraine's reconstruction, estimated to cost around $588 billion according to a joint report by Ukraine, the World Bank, the United Nations, and the EU.
Kyiv-Warsaw Tensions
The summit's focus on reconstruction comes amid ongoing fighting and a diplomatic spat between Ukraine and Poland. The row was triggered when Ukraine named a military unit after an insurgent group involved in massacres of Poles during World War II. Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked a state order given to Zelensky in response, further straining relations.
Reconstruction and Security
Despite the tensions, Ukraine plans to sign important agreements with international partners to strengthen its energy sector. Discussions will also focus on critical infrastructure, logistics, and security capacities. The European Union has already approved a 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine, mostly for defense. However, reconstruction is seen as crucial for Ukraine's long-term stability and defense capabilities.
