President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso.
The Head of State thanked the EBRD for its support of Ukraine since the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression and for implementing crucial projects.
"Key sectors that are being supported during the war include the energy sector and ensuring energy stability in Ukraine. First and foremost, Naftogaz – we discussed this today. Ukrzaliznytsia – our logistics, stability of which is important. I am very grateful that we have programs in place for these areas," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Odile Renaud-Basso discussed expanding support for state-owned companies, increasing direct investments in the private sector, and cooperation in the banking sector.
A key focus of the talks was providing support for internally displaced persons and securing new housing for Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homes due to the war.
"I believe that, in addition to the assistance from banks and partners, it would be fair to increase the share of frozen assets. I will discuss this with our European partners and raise the issue during the Munich Security Conference. We are talking about tens of billions. These funds could be used to help people obtain housing and find a place to live," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
Odile Renaud-Basso noted that since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the EBRD has allocated €6.2 billion to Ukraine, including €2.4 billion last year alone. She reaffirmed that the bank will continue to implement energy projects and support the private sector.
"These investments will focus on supporting the private sector, businesses – including small enterprises – to help them operate and create jobs in Ukraine. We are working very closely with Ukraine’s energy sector. Since the start of the war, we have invested €2 billion in energy generation, grid development, and protecting power substations," the EBRD President stated.