A meeting of countries and international organizations to discuss reconstruction assistance for Ukraine, which has been severely damaged by Russia's military invasion, will begin in the United Kingdom on May 21.
In an interview with NHK, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Kubulakov emphasized the importance of proceeding with reconstruction without waiting for the end of the fighting.

The Ukrainian Reconstruction Conference, organized by the governments of Ukraine and the United Kingdom, will be held in London for two days from the 21st.

Government officials from more than 2 countries, including Japan, as well as international organizations and companies will participate in discussions on how to proceed with reconstruction and raise funds.

Ahead of the meeting, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Kubrakov gave an interview to NHK, saying, "At the meeting, I would like to explain the progress of reconstruction and present our requests and challenges. It is important not to wait for the end of the war, but to start reconstruction now."

Regarding the dam in the southern province of Kherson, which collapsed this month, he said, "Although the flood situation has improved, there is a possibility that about 60 million people will be in water shortage, and we are building water pipes.

He also called for cooperation for Japan, saying, "I would like Japan companies that boast the world's highest level of technology and efficiency to help transform the energy sector."

U.S.-UK Foreign Ministers' Meeting: Reconstruction Requires Encouraging Private Investment

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken and British Foreign Minister Cleverly met in London on May 20 and emphasized that one of the priorities of the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference, which will be held from the 21st, is to promote private investment.

At a press conference after the meeting, Secretary of State Blinken emphasized the need to create the best environment to encourage private investment, saying, "If Ukraine wants to attract investment not only from the government and international financial institutions, but also from the private sector."

British Foreign Secretary Cleverly said: "The conference will focus on creating the conditions necessary for the private sector, as well as the public sector, to finance recovery."

"We hope that investments that will eventually enter Ukraine will be cut off from fighting and will be carried out efficiently through sound Ukrainian institutions," he said.

UK sanctions until Russia makes reparations

The British Foreign Office announced on the 20th that a law that allows sanctions to continue until Russia compensates Ukraine for the damage of its military invasion has been enforced.

The law also
requires
sanctioned individuals and organisations to disclose assets they own in the UK and allows them to donate frozen assets to help rebuild Ukraine.

As the issue of raising the funds necessary for the reconstruction of Ukraine becomes an issue, it seems that the aim is to clarify Russia's responsibility for continuing its military invasion.

"The cost of rebuilding Ukraine is enormous, and this law makes it clear that we are ready to use sanctions to get Russia to pay for reconstruction," Cleverly said.