Vsevolod Chentsov at the opening of ReBuild Ukraine 2026: Ukraine views Polish business as a long-term partner in recovery
On 12 November 2026, Vsevolod Chentsov, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, took part in the official opening of the 6th International Exhibition and Conference ReBuild Ukraine: Construction & Energy in Warsaw, Poland. The event focuses on Ukraine's recovery, attracting international investment and developing partnerships in energy, infrastructure and construction.
In his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine's recovery must happen in real time, because by the time it joins the EU, Ukraine aims to be a strong, competitive economy. Rebuilding is taking place under constant Russian attacks on critical infrastructure. At the same time, it must go beyond restoring destroyed facilities and modernize the economy in line with European standards.
"We are not just restoring what Russia destroyed. We are building the economy of a future European Union member state. That is why Ukraine's recovery and European integration must move forward together. Both processes require strong institutions, transparency and a predictable business environment," Vsevolod Chentsov emphasized.
According to him, the latest RDNA5 assessment puts Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction needs at almost USD 588 billion.
The Deputy Prime Minister drew attention to the scale of destruction of transport infrastructure. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, more than 6,000 attacks on Ukrzaliznytsia facilities have been recorded, damaging over 29,000 infrastructure objects. Since February 2022, 1,223 port infrastructure facilities and 297 civilian vessels have also been damaged or partially destroyed.
Vsevolod Chentsov also stressed the need to strengthen the protection of Ukrainian infrastructure, in particular by speeding up deliveries of air defense systems.
Energy security remains one of the key recovery priorities. Ukraine is developing a decentralized energy system based on cogeneration, renewable energy sources, energy storage systems and modernized power grids.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of working with European manufacturers on equipment supplies, localization of production and joint projects.
A similar approach, he said, is needed to modernize transport infrastructure, above all railways. Priorities include protecting traction substations, strengthening early warning systems, building shelters for workers and passengers, speeding up repairs and renewing the locomotive fleet.
Particular attention went to financing the rebuilding and attracting private capital. Vsevolod Chentsov noted that state budgets and donor assistance are not enough to cover all of Ukraine's needs. The Ukraine Facility and the Ukraine Investment Framework remain important tools for mobilizing public and private investment.
The Deputy Prime Minister thanked Poland for hosting ReBuild Ukraine and for its consistent support of Ukraine. He pointed to the significant potential for Polish business to take part in the rebuilding, in particular in construction, energy, transport, logistics, mechanical engineering and digital infrastructure.
"We see Polish companies as long-term investors, technology partners and participants in joint production projects," he said.
According to him, the Polish development bank BGK and the export credit agency KUKE can play an important role in promoting investment, export financing and war risk insurance.
In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine has significant potential to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, resilience and security.
"Investing in Ukraine today means investing in a stronger, more resilient and more competitive Europe tomorrow," Vsevolod Chentsov concluded.
The official opening ceremony of ReBuild Ukraine 2026 was also attended by Oleksandr Kravchenko, Minister of Economy and Environment of Ukraine; Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement; Liina Vahtras, Estonia's Minister of Economy and Industry; Benjamin Dousa, Sweden's Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade; Anatoly Sushon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Premier Expo; and Jurand Drop, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Republic of Poland.
Background
ReBuild Ukraine is an international exhibition and conference held on 12-13 November 2026 at the EXPO XXI exhibition center in Warsaw under the slogan "Cooperate today. Invest in tomorrow."
The event is organized by Premier Expo. Its aim is to attract international funding for the recovery of Ukrainian communities, support the energy sector, rebuild critical infrastructure and develop investment cooperation.
This year's program brings together more than 7,500 participants, more than 800 exhibitors from 33 countries, 27 national pavilions, 7 international conferences, 11 workshops and representatives of more than 150 Ukrainian communities.
ReBuild Ukraine is a platform for direct interaction between Ukrainian communities, authorities, international financial institutions, investors and manufacturers, aimed at turning recovery needs into concrete Kinvestment projects.