Russia launches hundreds of drones and missiles every night, so Ukraine needs increased investments in air defense and the establishment of a coalition of countries for recovery. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the opening of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025, held in Rome.
The Head of State noted that just the night before last, Russia launched over 700 drones and missiles at Ukraine, and last night — more than 400. As a result of the latest attack on Kyiv, two people were killed and 16 injured, a medical laboratory was completely destroyed, and residential buildings, a shopping center, a veterinary clinic, and basic city infrastructure were damaged.
The President called on partners to increase air defense supplies and boost investments in interceptor drones, air defense systems, and missiles.
“When Russia increases its attacks, we cannot have a shortage of funding for drone production. More than 30 countries and hundreds of companies are represented at the Conference today. And we must reach a point where Ukraine’s air defense and drone sector is supported by over 30 countries and backed by hundreds of companies – not only from Ukraine, but also from Europe, the United States, and beyond,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The President noted that Ukraine possesses some of the world’s most advanced drone technologies for both offensive and defensive purposes, which it is ready to share with its partners.
The Head of State thanked the countries participating in the drone coalition and the aviation coalition and stressed that now a coalition for recovery must be created. According to him, it is necessary to identify the countries and companies that will participate and to develop a clear reconstruction plan.
“We need a Marshall Plan-style approach – and we should develop it together. Rebuilding Ukraine is not just about our country, it’s also about your countries, your companies, your technology, your jobs – the way we rebuild our country can also modernize your infrastructure and industries,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
He also stressed that frozen Russian assets must be used for Ukraine’s recovery. Moreover, our state needs a clear system for reconstruction — a special recovery fund and financing at various levels: for Ukraine’s national budget and for local communities.
Separately, the Head of State highlighted that Ukraine is already preparing for the coming winter. The President thanked everyone who helped the country get through the previous three winters and called for continued joint efforts.
According to the President, over 500 companies are represented at the Conference in Italy, with about 200 agreements ready to be signed, worth over 10 billion euros.
“And please – let’s also focus on energy. Putin has only two real “allies” – terror and winter. And we must respond to both,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.
The Ukraine Recovery Conference, held on July 10–11 in Rome, is already the fourth international event supporting the rebuilding of our country after the devastation caused by Russia’s full-scale aggression. Previous conferences took place in Lugano (2022), London (2023), and Berlin (2024).
Around 4,000 representatives of governments, business, and civil society are participating in the event. Among them are over 100 heads of state and government and leaders of international organizations.
New financial and investment agreements will be signed following the conference, platforms for attracting private capital will be launched, and partnerships between governments, businesses, international organizations, and Ukrainian communities will deepen.
