We invite you to read the ninth Ukraine Rebuilding Digest with an overview of the recovery news from the Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance for 13—19 May.
Estonia allows frozen Russian assets to be used to rebuild Ukraine
On 15 May, the Estonian parliament approved a law allowing the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. This was announced by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tahkna, who noted that the parliament had overwhelmingly supported the bill.
Tsakhkna expressed hope that the Estonian president would sign the law as soon as possible, making it official. He also noted that this initiative is an important step in bringing Europe closer to setting a precedent for using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
In addition, Estonia has pledged to provide military assistance to Ukraine over the next four years in the amount of 0.25% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). This step is part of Estonia’s broader support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
US to confiscate Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s reconstruction
During a visit to Kyiv on 14 May, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced that the United States intends to use confiscated Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s reconstruction. He made this statement, emphasising that the US Congress had granted the appropriate authority to confiscate Russian assets, and the US plans to use them to rebuild what was destroyed as a result of Russian aggression.
Blinken also noted that the United States is working with other Group of Seven countries to do the same with Russia’s ‘immobilised sovereign assets’. He stressed that these joint actions could unlock billions of dollars and send a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that time is not on his side.
Moldova is ready to be a strategic hub in Ukraine’s recovery process
During a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that Moldova is ready to become a strategic hub in the process of restoring Ukraine and an important security partner for the European Union on its eastern borders. She noted that Moldova is building its infrastructure – bridges, roads, railways – to facilitate the transit of Ukrainian goods and to strengthen ties with the EU.
Sandu underlined the importance of Moldova’s growing role as a security partner on the EU’s eastern borders and confirmed plans to sign a security agreement with the EU in the near future. She noted that Moldova has long been cooperating with the EU on security and defence issues, including a mission supported by some EU members, as well as cyber defence activities.
Switzerland allocates over five billion euros for Ukraine’s recovery
Switzerland has decided to allocate 5 billion Swiss francs (more than 5 billion euros) for the reconstruction of Ukraine, the Swiss government’s press service reports. The decision was made by the Federal Council on Wednesday, 10 April. It is planned that these funds will be allocated until 2036.
This step demonstrates a strong signal of solidarity with the victims of the war in Ukraine and Switzerland’s contribution to stability in Europe. The Swiss government believes that this money will help prevent migration flows.
Switzerland is already supporting projects in Ukraine, including the restoration of destroyed civilian infrastructure in the energy, road and healthcare sectors. The total cost of reconstruction work in Ukraine is estimated at around 440 billion Swiss francs.
Sustainable livestock farming is a way to restore and develop Ukraine’s regions
The experts stressed the importance of supporting local farmers through training programmes and consultations, as well as the need to create favourable conditions for the development of agro-industrial enterprises in Ukraine. Cooperation with international organisations, such as the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme, allows for the implementation of best management practices that meet the highest environmental standards.
The event also discussed financial support for the implementation of sustainable practices, access to markets and the development of infrastructure for the storage and processing of livestock products. The workshop participants had the opportunity to share their experiences, receive expert advice and develop joint action plans to improve the situation in the agricultural sector.
Concluding the workshop, the organisers expressed confidence that the introduction of sustainable livestock practices will help to improve the efficiency of Ukraine’s agricultural sector, ensure food security and strengthen economic resilience in the face of current challenges.
Cabinet of Ministers allocates UAH 1.5 billion to restore Zmiivska and Trypilska TPPs
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to allocate UAH 1.5 billion to restore the Zmiivska thermal power plant in Kharkiv region and the Trypillia thermal power plant in Kyiv region. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a government meeting.
‘Today, we are allocating UAH 726 million for the state-owned company Centrenergo, which owns Zmiivska TPP in Kharkiv region and Trypilska TPP in Kyiv region. The funds for the restoration of these TPPs will be allocated from the reserve fund of the state budget,’ Shmyhal said.
In addition, the government has decided to allocate an additional UAH 826 million from the fund for the elimination of the consequences of aggression for the same thermal power plants.
Italy allocates €42.5 million to restore architectural monuments in Odesa
On 15 May, a trilateral agreement was signed between the governments of Ukraine, Italy and UNESCO to allocate funds for the restoration of architectural monuments in Odesa that were damaged by Russian shelling. This was announced by the head of the Department of Culture and European Integration of the Odesa City Council Ivan Liptuga during a briefing.
The agreement provides for the allocation of 42.5 million euros. The funds will be used not only to restore specific monuments but also in other important areas. This agreement is an important step in the preservation of Odesa’s cultural heritage and the professional development of specialists in the field of restoration, which will help ensure the long-term protection and restoration of the city’s historical monuments.
