Zelenskyy, U.S. business leaders discuss defense tech, energy investments

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting with 30 prominent U.S. business leaders in New York to discuss various investment opportunities and strategic collaborations. The discussions centered around defense technology advancements, joint production ventures, and energy initiatives, including energy storage solutions.

Agreements were made regarding joint projects in both the energy sector and energy storage systems. The talks also delved into the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund and the enhancement of Ukraine's capital market. Participants explored the utilization of special economic zones and industrial parks to aid in the reconstruction of regions within the country.

The meeting further covered the development of Ukraine's economic strategy, backed by members of the International Advisory Group on Investment Attraction and Economic Development, as well as the contributions of the U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. Notable U.S. financial institutions, such as Citigroup, BlackRock, and Lazard, among others, were present to engage in the discussions.

Executives from companies including Macquarie, State Street, and McKinsey & Company joined the dialogue to explore opportunities in priority areas. The participants also deliberated on the functioning of the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund (URIF) and the forthcoming investments it, along with the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), intend to make.

Moreover, discussions included war-risk insurance and diverse financing instruments tailored for U.S. investors. President Zelenskyy encouraged the attendees to actively participate in joint efforts for the selection of key investment projects and the implementation of these initiatives.