Kyiv — Ukrainian officials are set to engage in discussions with U.S. representatives on Thursday to address the nation’s post-war recovery, which includes plans for a “prosperity package,” President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Wednesday.
In a WhatsApp media chat, Zelensky revealed that the meeting will also pave the way for a trilateral discussion involving Russia, anticipated to occur in early March. Rustem Umerov, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council and head of the Ukrainian negotiating team, will convene with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of the U.S. president, in Geneva.
“The first meeting will be bilateral with the American delegation. The primary focus is the prosperity package aimed at Ukraine’s recovery,” Zelensky explained.
The urgency of reconstruction following the extensive destruction caused by Russian airstrikes and ongoing combat has become a pivotal topic in the broader negotiations to resolve the war, now entering its fifth year. Ukraine aims to secure approximately $800 billion in public and private investments over the next decade to facilitate its rebuilding efforts.
A recent assessment from the World Bank estimates the cost of reconstructing Ukraine’s economy at around $588 billion, based on data gathered from February 24, 2022, to December 31, 2025. Ukrainian officials are actively marketing the country as a prospective European Union member and an attractive destination for investment. However, the success of these financial efforts hinges on achieving a ceasefire and a lasting peace deal, both of which remain challenging goals.
This month, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators participated in their third meeting mediated by the U.S. but did not manage to resolve key issues, including territorial disputes. In addition, Zelensky mentioned that the agenda will also cover the logistics pertaining to the exchange of war prisoners between Ukraine and Russia.
As Ukraine continues on its path toward recovery and stability, the international support it seeks underscores a collective hope for a peaceful and prosperous future.