Restoring Ukraine is the largest project for the coming years. And our systematic and coordinated work is the key to the successful implementation of these joint projects and initiatives. This was emphasised by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during the inaugural meeting of the Recovery Operational Group within the Ukraine Donor Platform.

The Head of Government stressed that since the launch of the Ukraine Donor Platform, recovery had been one of its priority areas. He proposed that partners step up work in this area by establishing a Recovery Operational Group and an Advisory Group under the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development, which would help coordinate and identify recovery projects.

“The purpose of the Recovery Operational Group will be to create a ‘one-stop shop’ for the exchange of information on urgent recovery and rehabilitation needs, infrastructure projects at the regional level and priority sectoral projects,” said Denys Shmyhal.

According to him, the work of the group will include regular meetings with the participation of the Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine, relevant ministries, special envoys for recovery, members of the Platform and other key stakeholders.

In addition, an Advisory Group under the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development will be established in Kyiv to strengthen expertise and coordination at the operational level. Denys Shmyhal stressed that this group should focus on the practical implementation of projects and the most efficient use of resources, which would help direct them in the most efficient and transparent way to achieve results in the shortest possible time.

“Among other things, we need to strengthen cooperation at the regional level. We have examples of effective patronage over a particular region,” the Prime Minister said, urging partners to actively engage in this format of cooperation.

Denys Shmyhal added that, given the scale of the tasks, Ukraine was also working to build coalitions: “Coordination of coalitions by the respective special representatives for recovery is important here.”