Zelensky Meets Wall Street Executives in US to Discuss Ukraine's Reconstruction

President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian delegation held meetings in the United States with executives from Wall Street companies, part of Kyiv's effort to attract investment for funding the country's reconstruction. The meeting took place on September 23 on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, focusing mainly on helping Ukraine get through winter and supporting its economy.

According to Reuters, Ukraine faces the prospect of a harsh winter as intensifying Russian strikes on infrastructure and key export industries deepen the country's budget crisis. Daily war-related expenditures have risen this year to roughly $190 million.

The meeting was organized by US banking giant Citigroup together with the American Chamber of Commerce, and was attended by more than two dozen American companies. Ukrainian government representatives said participants also discussed setting up a sovereign fund and strengthening Ukraine's economy with support from members of the International Advisory Group.

Citi CEO Jane Fraser said the private sector would play an important role in the country's rebuilding. The company, which has operated in Ukraine for more than 25 years, said it intends to help attract investment and support Ukrainian businesses.

Other participants included executives from BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, Lazard, Macquarie, State Street, Jane Street, Fairfax and McKinsey & Company. Representatives of the US Chamber of Commerce, the US International Development Finance Corporation, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development also took part in the event.