President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with representatives of companies – members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Horizon Capital, Cisco Systems, Unilever, Carlsberg, Avrora Multimarket, Microsoft, KPMG, Winner Imports, Coca-Cola, Cargill, CHS, Citibank, AON, CBRE, OTIS, KBR, Pfizer, Google, Baker Hughes, WTW, Wooden Horse, Parsons Corporation, Visa, AGCO, McDonald’s, Honeywell, ADM, Raytheon, MasterCard, Auterion, CRH, TechMet, Argentem Creek, Boeing, D&M Holding, IBM, Shield AI, and the President of the American Chamber of Commerce, Andy Hunder.
“I want to thank the American business community present in Ukraine for creating and, perhaps most importantly, preserving jobs. Your presence sends signals and speaks to stability in Ukraine,” said the Head of State.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine values all the assistance provided by the United States and the bipartisan support. Stable relations with the U.S. are important for our country.
“Signals about risks of reduction or slowing down of assistance from the U.S. – I believe none of us are interested in that. Neither American nor Ukrainian business, because Patriot systems do not choose whom to protect in Ukraine from the Russian aggressor. Air defense systems and other protection save lives, opportunities, and production capacities for absolutely everyone,” the President stated.
Andy Hunder highlighted Ukraine’s resilience during the war and noted that 88 chamber members have relatives or loved ones serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He also reported that 53% of companies suffered damage to their facilities and offices as a result of Russian shelling.
“One of the things we always ask from the U.S. Government is to provide protection for American businesses operating here, including supplying missiles for the Patriot systems,” he said.
Meeting participants stressed the importance of continuing support and strengthening Ukraine’s air defense.
The President noted Ukraine’s interest in developing cooperation with the United States in the defense-industrial complex and economic partnership.
According to the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, John Ginkel, the creation of the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund is a long-term investment in Ukraine’s independence and future.
“We know the road ahead will not be easy, but it is also full of opportunities. With bold leadership, a resilient private sector, and strong Ukrainian-American cooperation, Ukraine will emerge not just restored but as a thriving, independent state of growth and stability in the region,” he emphasized.
TechMet representative Volodymyr Ignashchenko emphasized that, if his company wins the relevant tender, it is ready not only to explore and extract lithium in Ukraine but also to build processing facilities.
Leonid Polupan, CEO of Microsoft Ukraine, noted that the company had a high level of cooperation with the Government even before the full-scale war began and is committed to close collaboration going forward in cybersecurity and the latest developments in artificial intelligence.
Joao Moura, COO of CRH, which operates three cement plants in Ukraine, said that, during the war, the company is investing in creating a modern terminal in Kyiv and a technical laboratory. He also noted the support from foreign investors by the Government.
Arthur Lesnikovskyi, CEO of Boeing Ukraine, stressed that the company’s office was recently damaged due to Russian shelling, but despite this, all employees continue working on projects. In particular, leaders of the defense division cooperate with Government representatives regarding opportunities to deepen technical cooperation.
Representatives of KBR and Shield AI shared their vision of developing cooperation with Ukraine in the defense sector.
Co-founder and CEO of Horizon Capital, Lenna Koszarny, on her part, highlighted the importance of improving the pension system and creating domestic capital markets. She also thanked for the adoption of the law on multiple citizenship.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the state will cooperate with American businesses to discuss and resolve all problematic issues.