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$11.7 Billion in Aid, Defense Deals, and Trade at Ukraine Recovery Conference–Rome 2025: Key Takeaways
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
International leaders convened in Rome on July 10 for the opening day of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, where more than $11.7 billion in support was pledged for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The gathering brought together delegations from over 30 countries, alongside hundreds of companies and major international organizations, united in coordinating recovery efforts amid Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, host of the summit, emphasized the importance of global investment and partnership in Ukraine’s future.
“The message we want to send today to businesses is: Don’t be afraid to invest to build and rebuild Ukraine,” Meloni told the gathering of business, political, and development representatives. “The reconstruction of Ukraine is not a risk. It’s an investment in a nation that has shown more resilience than any other.”
She added:
“We should be proud of what we achieved together—governments, international institutions, business, and civil society.”
Germany, France, Spain, and other EU countries joined a new export guarantee scheme to stimulate trade with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Germany confirmed it will buy US-made Patriot air defense systems for transfer to Ukraine, and Norway has offered to finance another.
The conference took place just after a deadly wave of Russian airstrikes that killed two people and injured 26, underscoring the urgency of Ukraine’s appeal for more defense and reconstruction support.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, attending the conference in person, emphasized the importance of turning pledges into long-term solutions.
“This is not just about rebuilding walls. It’s about protecting lives and ensuring justice.”
He also reported a positive dialogue with US President Donald Trump concerning the Patriot missile systems, requesting 10 systems along with the necessary missiles. Zelenskyy noted that once the delivery timeline is confirmed by the manufacturer and the US, additional European partners are expected to join the effort under the current funding model.
In addition to infrastructure, leaders highlighted humanitarian priorities, including the physical, social, and mental recovery of Ukraine’s population. Over 200 agreements were announced, including new packages from the EU, Finland, and the Netherlands.
The event also hosted a high-level session of the Coalition of the Willing , where 32 representatives from allied countries and organizations, including US delegates, agreed to establish a headquarters in Paris and finalize plans for future security support.
“We are working for true peace and stability,” said Zelenskyy. “Our absolute priorities right now are air defense and drone interceptors. We welcome investment in everything that protects life in Ukraine — and in Europe.”
Previously, it was reported that the United Kingdom is prepared to send troops to Ukraine to help enforce a potential ceasefire with Russia, as part of a new international initiative dubbed the “Coalition of the Willing.”
