Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko opened the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Gdansk on Thursday by thanking Poland for its support during critical times, stating: “Dear Poles, thank you for your help when it was needed most.” This gesture aimed to ease tensions that had recently emerged between Kyiv and Warsaw.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky experienced a fallout due to the complex history shared by their nations. Consequently, Zelensky canceled his planned visit to Poland, and Nawrocki was absent from Gdansk, reportedly because he did not receive an invitation from the government, with which he is also at odds. In Gdansk, however, there was a focus on unity and the primary goal of rebuilding Ukraine. Over 70 heads of state and government, 30 international organizations, and several hundred companies gathered in this Baltic city for the conference, which will continue until Friday.
Calls for Solidarity and Assessment of Ukraine’s Chances
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a native of Gdansk, welcomed attendees by stating: “Gdansk rose from the ruins, and the same will happen with Ukraine.” He addressed his Ukrainian counterpart, saying: “Yulia, feel at home here!” Tusk reflected on World War II, which began with shots fired at Westerplatte, just a few hundred meters from the conference venue, and the near-total destruction of the city, as well as the “Solidarity” movement that contributed to the end of Europe’s division. “Many people of goodwill can change things,” he asserted, calling for solidarity and declaring: “If we stick together, we can defeat evil.”
Most countries concurred that Ukraine’s chances of halting Russia this year are significantly better than in 2025. Svyrydenko remarked: “Russia has become weaker but also more aggressive against all of Europe.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended Ukraine’s military resilience and advancements in new technologies, which have allowed Kyiv to nearly stop Russia’s progress.
Investments and the Path to the EU
The European Commission President emphasized that Ukraine’s future lies within the European Union, provided that Kyiv remains committed to its reform agenda. Last week, the EU initiated the first negotiation cluster regarding Ukraine’s membership path, which Svyrydenko described as a “historic milestone.” Additionally, the EU is disbursing 3.2 billion euros as the first tranche of a loan exceeding 90 billion euros that member states have pledged to Ukraine over the next two years. In the coming days, another 6 billion euros will be allocated for drone production. Ukraine has the capacity for arms manufacturing, but it cannot fully utilize it due to a lack of funding.
Germany, France, Poland, and Italy have committed to providing 220 million euros as initial aid to stimulate private investments in Ukraine. This was announced by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who added: “Public aid alone is not enough.” At the same time, Merz expressed “signs of hope,” stating that Ukraine is stronger today and that Russia will not prevail in this war. “We are obliged to increase pressure on Russia,” he stated, sending a clear message to Moscow: “It is time to agree on a ceasefire, stop the killings, and engage in negotiations.”
Source: FAZ