INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
reconstruction from the ravages of war.The World Bank has put an estimate of $14 billion on Ukraine's immediate needs to repair the
damage caused by the bitter fighting.But a recent study by the World Bank, the UN, the European Union and the Ukrainian government said the
reconstruction," he added.U.K
while Ukraine said its air defense systems had shot down six Iranian-designed attack drones in the west.Ukraine's President Volodymyr
Zelensky is overseeing a military fight-back using Western-supplied heavy weaponry to regain territory lost to Russian forces since last
year."Every day of Russian aggression brings new ruins, thousands and thousands of destroyed houses, devastated industries, burnt lives," he
told the conference by video link.But Zelensky set out his stall for future investment in Ukraine, saying that despite the devastation, the
country was ripe for development in sectors from technology and green agriculture to clean energy."The world is watching to see if we will
and thus we protect freedom
Lugano, Switzerland, last July saw allies commit to supporting Ukraine through what is expected to be an eye-wateringly expensive and
decades-long recovery.African countries, though, have voiced concern that by pumping aid to Ukraine, the West is backing off from pledges to
help the continent with development and fight climate change.Sunak told delegates that Kyiv's allies would support Ukraine "on the
battlefield and beyond" for as long as it takes.Zelensky underscored the need for long-term support
"Some people believe this is a Hollywood movie and expect results now," he told the BBC in a separate interview."It's not
What's at stake is people's lives," he added.Sunak has announced UK backing for Ukraine to the tune of $3 billion so it can unlock vital
World Bank loans to help bolster public services, including schools and hospitals.The guarantee will run over the next three years, he said
Ursula von der Leyen recapped the EU executive's support package for Ukraine of 50 billion euros ($55 billion) over the next four
has to be held accountable."Germany will provide 381 million euros in humanitarian assistance this year, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
Her French counterpart, Catherine Colonna, announced 40 million euros.The United States will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional
aid, said Blinken, promising it would help Ukraine "rebuild its future."Private sectorAs well as government support from around the world,
it is hoped more private-sector firms will join the reconstruction effort.Delegates include captains of industry from major multinationals
and corporations, many of whom have signed up to a new Ukraine Business Compact.It encourages trade, investment and expertise-sharing to
Ukraine on the back of promises from Zelensky to tackle barriers such as corruption and financial and legal transparency.More than 400
companies from 38 countries, with a combined market capitalization of $4.9 trillion, have already promised to back Ukraine's recovery and
reconstruction, Sunak said.A new London-based insurance scheme would help to underwrite risky investments in Ukraine, he said, "removing one
of the biggest barriers and giving investors the confidence they need to act."
