Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a pivotal virtual meeting this week with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, former White House advisor Jared Kushner, and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink to lay groundwork for Ukraine's reconstruction strategy. The December 10 discussion marked the inaugural session of a bilateral working group addressing post-conflict economic recovery.
"Real security must form the foundation for high-quality reconstruction and tangible economic growth," Zelenskyy emphasized in a social media statement, highlighting ongoing coordination between Kyiv and Washington despite political transitions. The talks focused on infrastructure repair mechanisms, investment frameworks, and modernization plans for key industries.
The meeting occurs amid shifting U.S. political dynamics, with former President Donald Trump recently suggesting potential policy adjustments. "Sometimes you have to let people fight it out," Trump commented during a December 10 press engagement, while criticizing current casualty rates as "ridiculous."
Analysts note the involvement of financial heavyweights like BlackRock signals growing private sector interest in Ukraine's rebuilding process, projected to require $750 billion over the next decade according to World Bank estimates. The working group's first formal proposal is expected in Q1 2026.
