Zelensky, Wall Street executives hold talks on Ukraine’s economy and reconstruction

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convened with prominent Wall Street executives during a meeting held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York City. The primary focus of the discussion was aimed at securing investments to assist in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts following intensified Russian strikes on infrastructure and key export industries, which have exacerbated the country's budget crisis.

The Ukrainian government reported that the daily cost of the war had reached approximately US$190 million in the current year.

Over two dozen U.S. companies participated in the meeting, which was organized by Citigroup, a leading U.S. banking institution, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Participants deliberated on the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund and sought ways to bolster Ukraine's economy through the involvement of members from the International Advisory Group. Jane Fraser, the CEO of Citigroup, emphasized the crucial role that the private sector would play in the nation's reconstruction process.

In addition to Citigroup, other notable attendees included representatives from BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, Lazard, Macquarie, State Street, Jane Street, Fairfax, and McKinsey & Company. Furthermore, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development also took part in the dialogue.