Dear Olaf, Mr. Chancellor!
Dear Denys, Mr. Prime Minister!
Dear representatives of governments, representatives of businesses from our countries!
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am grateful for another display of Ukrainian-German unity.
During this war, Ukrainian courage has become a global brand. Most people in the world know Ukraine precisely because of it – our bravery. Similarly, German reliability is a global brand. Germany is known and appreciated for it. I have, by the way, been convinced of this multiple times – you are indeed a reliable state and a reliable partner. I am thankful for your strong support for Ukraine, for our people. I am thankful to the entire German nation, and I am thankful to you personally, Olaf. Thank you for the assistance that Ukrainians have received for their defense. Reliable assistance!
Now, by working together, we can combine the best qualities of our nations and jointly – Ukraine and Germany – offer a chance for our Europe to grow. More security. More development. More job opportunities. More possibilities for ordinary families who work to lead a decent life. And more strength for our continent.
I am confident that Ukraine's potential is well known to all of you. Specific projects and programs in various sectors will be presented by the Ukrainian government team and the top managers of Ukrainian companies participating in the forum. I would like to draw your attention, first and foremost, to the defense sector in Ukraine – our production of weapons, equipment, and ammunition, which we are boosting. This is our number one production priority, and some German companies have already started substantial cooperation with us in this field. We invite all others to join. Ukrainian energy, our infrastructure, agriculture, and reconstruction deserve no less attention – areas that currently, during the war, especially require international cooperation. And these areas will yield special returns for every company that starts working both in and with Ukraine, right now while others are only analyzing the prospects.
I want to make a few security points today.
The first one is about air defense. We are building special relations with the most powerful countries in the world to provide our cities with a reliable air shield against Russian terror.
Among these countries, of course, is Germany.
Additionally, we are working on agreements with partners for joint production of air defense systems. This is a strategic task, and I have no doubt that we can accomplish it. However, it takes time. Therefore, during this winter and the next year, we need our partners to continue supporting our air shield. I am grateful, especially to Germany, for understanding this need.
Economic development in the conditions of the neighborhood that Ukraine has is a direct reflection of how well we can protect our skies. This is also a significant argument for our people who are currently in European countries seeking refuge. They will return home when the threat of Russian terror diminishes.
The second point is about war risk insurance.
We are appealing to the governments of partner countries, including the government of Germany, to collaborate with businesses from our countries and establish a reliable mechanism for insuring against war risks. It's evident that such risks deter investments and that having a protection system against them will be a significant step in deterring Russian aggression. The Kremlin still hopes for world weariness with support for Ukraine. Politically, we ensure that such weariness won't happen, no matter how hard Russia tries to provoke it. Economically, our cooperation with you can help achieve this.
The third point is reevaluating our region and, to a large extent, Europe. Russia is losing ground in economic relations with Europe, which have been built over more than 50 years. This applies to many sectors which Russian companies have already left or will leave.
European business and the potential of our countries and European neighbors will replace them – this is inevitable.
The rebuilding of Ukraine after the armed conflict, the growth of new globally important export centers like the Danube region, our new relationships in Eastern Europe, particularly strategic relations with Romania, and partnerships with Moldova and Türkiye, the emergence of industries in Ukraine such as the production and operation of combat drones, including the creation of a fleet of maritime drones, the rethinking of our energy sector with a focus on decentralized green energy... All of this and more is clear potential for cooperation and growth.
I'll give just one example that is known worldwide – German machinery. This is the best foundation for any economy. It's crucial to launch the flow of German machinery into Ukraine as the basis for Ukrainian industries, in particular, through full-fledged export credit financing.
Is there anything unrealistic in what I've said? I believe not. Is it all economically beneficial? Yes.
Most importantly, in this case, the economy provides more security.
And a crystal-clear signal is needed for Russia, as it always pays attention to Germany. With whom Germany works. In whom Germany believes as partners. With whom it shares its reliability and takes something for itself to become stronger. These are all fundamental things.
Let those who initiated this terrible war see that Germany, by working with Ukraine, believes in peace. And peace is approaching as we grow stronger together.
I thank all of you for your support!
Glory to Ukraine!