THIS WEEK IN UKRAINE
14 November 2024
ReBuild Ukraine: Collaborative Efforts for National Recovery
The ReBuild Ukraine, Construction & Energy Conference, took place on November 13-14 in Warsaw, gathering Ukraine’s government, international partners, and businesses to drive investment in Ukraine’s recovery. Key initiatives include securing essential services like water and heat, promoting energy independence, and developing social housing. With significant investments needed, government agencies are building a unified portfolio of recovery projects and setting priorities for public and private sector collaboration. Upcoming projects include constructing social housing, installing energy-saving infrastructure, and supporting export logistics to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and economic recovery.
EU-Ukraine Investment Conference in Warsaw
The first EU-Ukraine Investment Conference began on November 13, 2024, as part of the ReBuild Ukraine exhibition in Warsaw. Key leaders launched an initiative to attract private EU investments for Ukraine's reconstruction, inviting proposals from EU and Ukrainian companies. Backed by a €50 billion EU budget, the conference aims to mobilize investment for critical infrastructure, featuring seminars on foreign investment, risk insurance, and Ukraine’s EU accession path. With over 5,500 participants, this event promotes robust EU-Ukraine economic ties.
Ukraine Begins Fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment
Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba announced the launch of the Fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4) in collaboration with the World Bank, EU, UN, and other partners. Covering impacts from February 2022 to December 2024, RDNA4 will prioritize Ukraine's 2025 recovery goals, focusing on housing, social services, demining, and energy infrastructure. Utilizing verified data, including from Ukraine’s damaged property registry, this assessment aims to guide transparent, data-driven recovery aligned with public investment reforms and the Ukraine Plan.
Updates on Major Developments for Ukraine's Industrial Parks
During October, Ukraine made significant strides in developing its industrial parks. The government began funding infrastructure improvements, dedicating over ₴1 billion to enhance operations at 11 parks. A new law has been proposed to simplify how parks are managed and to broaden the types of businesses they can host. Notable activities included a roundtable meeting in Odesa on park development, the NOVO Park joining a business accelerator program in the U.S., and new management for parks in Dolyna and Mena. Ukraine also added new parks to its official registry, such as "Techno Park Voznesensk," "Ecocentre," "SUNART," and "Future Industry Hub," supporting economic growth in various regions.
Ukrainian Economy Expected to Accelerate in 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to discuss enhanced defense and energy infrastructure support amidst ongoing conflict. Baerbock, on her eighth visit since the full-scale invasion, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Ukraine’s military and financial aid. Key topics included strengthening bilateral defense collaboration, securing winter energy infrastructure, and advancing Ukraine's “Victory Plan” and peace summit initiatives. Zelensky emphasized the importance of Germany's continued defense support for Ukraine’s resilience and success.
Ukraine Advances Joint Ventures with European Defense Firms
Ukraine is finalizing agreements to establish three new joint ventures with European arms manufacturers, adding to five existing partnerships with companies from Germany and Lithuania. Vice Prime Minister Yuliya Svyrydenko highlighted that domestic defense production now contributes 1.8% to Ukraine's GDP, up from 0.3% in 2021, providing a boost to the economy. German, British, and French defense companies, including Rheinmetall and BAE Systems, are expanding their presence with local offices and production facilities, with drone and missile production plans as Ukraine strengthens its defense capabilities.
Estonia Announces New Military Aid for Ukraine
Estonia unveiled a new military aid package for Ukraine, as President Zelensky met with Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur. Estonia’s support includes 0.25% of its GDP for Ukraine’s defense needs, with the latest package providing uniforms for Ukrainian soldiers. The two leaders also discussed producing long-range drones in Ukraine and Estonia’s support for Ukraine’s EU and NATO aspirations, reinforcing the Victory Plan’s implementation.
Ukrainian Lawmakers Urge Global Support Against Ecocide at COP29
On November 12, Ukrainian delegates at COP29 called for international assistance to address Russia's environmental destruction in Ukraine. Oleg Bondarenko, Head of the Environmental Policy Committee, presented evidence of over 280 documented cases of ecocide, seeking global accountability for war-related environmental crimes. Ukraine’s representatives highlighted the devastating impacts on biodiversity, water resources, and the wider ecosystem. New initiatives were announced, including two UN-led projects to assess ecological damage, as Ukraine advocates for the recognition of ecocide as a prosecutable offense. The country also showcased its "green recovery" plan to restore its environment post-war.