During his visit to Odesa region, American diplomat and former U.S. Special Representative Kurt Volker visited Chornomorsk together with the Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance team. The discussion focused on the Chornomorsk port, key regional challenges, and strategic opportunities relevant to global partnerships.
According to Volker, the Chornomorsk port is critically important for exporting Ukrainian agricultural products to dozens of countries around the world. Even amid war and constant attacks, Ukraine continues to demonstrate that it remains a reliable and responsible partner. This is evidence of Ukrainians’ determination to be an integral part of the international economy and logistics networks.
The diplomat emphasized the need to integrate the port into European logistics systems, modernize it, and expand its functionality in line with modern environmental and technological standards.
Chornomorsk has a unique opportunity to become a pilot platform for Ukraine’s recovery—not only infrastructural but also institutional. Our initiatives—from decarbonizing port infrastructure to creating an autonomous energy system—represent a new development model that is already drawing the interest of international investors, including from the United States. We are working to ensure that the Odesa region becomes a reliable partner for long-term American investment.
One of the key topics discussed during the visit was the port infrastructure decarbonization project. As Yurii Maslov, head of the Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance, noted: “This is an opportunity to shape a new model for developing regional hubs—one that combines economic resilience, environmental responsibility, and modern logistics solutions. For Odesa, this is a chance to make the port sector part of the European green transition.”
Special attention was given to the development of alternative energy sources, particularly projects for autonomous power supply based at the Chornomorsk port. This will reduce dependence on centralized systems and create stable infrastructure to support future economic growth.
The list of initiatives also includes projects to establish new agricultural lands and residential complexes for youth in coastal areas, transforming empty and neglected seafront territories into modern communities.
Thanks to the city’s strong social capital and the presence of serious investment proposals, Chornomorsk can become a demonstration platform for attracting international capital to Ukrainian communities. Currently, there are two potential concession projects in the region already drawing interest from American investors. The first step has been taken—a memorandum was signed with Chornomorskvodokanal. The agreement provides for stable water supply and the modernization of municipal systems.
After the port visit, our team, together with Kurt Volker, attended the Prayer Breakfast in Chornomorsk. The event brought together representatives of local communities, international partners, businesses, military personnel, and educators around the values of mutual support, dignity, and the power of collective action.
Such visits are concrete diplomatic steps toward strengthening the region’s defense, humanitarian, and economic potential. We thank our partners for their deep attention to southern Ukraine, constructive dialogue, and readiness for international cooperation.
