Kyiv mayor at Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk: ‘Ukraine must do exactly what Poland did’
Kyiv Mayor at Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk: 'Ukraine Must Do Exactly What Poland Did'
Kyiv mayor at Ukraine Recovery Conference - The Ukraine Recovery Conference, held in the Polish city of Gdańsk, drew significant attention as Kyiv's mayor, Andriy Klitschko, participated in a panel titled "Rebuilding Amid Conflict: A Path Forward." The event, which brought together leaders and experts from across Europe, focused on strategies for Ukraine's post-war resurgence. Klitschko, a prominent figure in Kyiv's political landscape, shared insights on the nation's progress and future aspirations, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and domestic reforms.
Warm Relations Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Despite the recent diplomatic rift between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Klitschko emphasized that the atmosphere at the conference remained positive. During a press briefing, he noted that personal relationships between Ukrainian and Polish officials had not been affected by the ongoing dispute. "The focus must remain on future-oriented strategies, not on past disagreements," Klitschko stated, underscoring the shared goal of fostering unity and collaboration.
"We have to look to the future and try to find synergies so that we can succeed together. That is the main goal of this conference. Without looking back, we must build the present and build the future together," the mayor told reporters.
Klitschko's remarks were part of a broader discussion on how Ukraine can leverage its resilience to overcome the challenges posed by the war. He stressed the importance of collective efforts, drawing parallels between the current situation and the historical struggles of other nations. "Ukraine's path to recovery is not just about rebuilding what was lost, but about creating a stronger foundation for the years ahead," he explained.
Poland's Blueprint for Ukraine's Development
Klitschko was particularly vocal about the need for Ukraine to adopt Poland's approach to national development. "Whenever I come to Poland, I feel a twinge of envy," he said, reflecting on the country's transformation over the decades. During his visit in 1988, Poland was still recovering from the economic hardships of the Soviet era, with a landscape dominated by markets and a growing sense of enterprise.
"I first visited Poland in Soviet times, in 1988. I remember how poor Poland was. It was one big bazaar. I come to Poland every year. I see the changes that have taken place in Poland and now Poland is one of the countries in Europe which are among the most successful, where there have been huge changes in infrastructure. The quality of life of its citizens is a perfect example of this. That means we have to do exactly what Poland has done," Klitschko shared.
The mayor highlighted Poland's remarkable progress in infrastructure, which has significantly improved the standard of living for its citizens. "Ukraine must follow this model," he asserted. "Poland's success story is a testament to the power of strategic investment and a commitment to modernization." Klitschko also pointed out the importance of economic stability and civic engagement in Poland's development, suggesting that these elements could serve as blueprints for Ukraine's own recovery efforts.
Countering Russian Propaganda Through Information
During the conference, journalists also inquired about Ukraine's approach to countering Russian propaganda. Klitschko stressed the role of accurate information in maintaining public trust. "News and information are just as vital as weapons in the war for minds," he said. "They are essential tools in shaping the narrative and ensuring citizens remain informed."
"We inform our citizens. We do this digitally, using our resources to stop propaganda and to reduce the influence that Russia has always had on the population of Ukraine," the mayor added.
Klitschko outlined Ukraine's digital initiatives, which include targeted media campaigns and the use of technology to disseminate factual content. He noted that these efforts were critical in countering misinformation and reinforcing national identity. "The battle against disinformation is ongoing, but we are making strides," he said. "By prioritizing transparency and objectivity, we can strengthen the resolve of our people."
The conference also addressed the pressing issue of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, as the country prepared for the winter months. Klitschko revealed that Kyiv was implementing a comprehensive heating supply system to ensure resilience against future cold spells. "This is an extremely difficult task, given that it was built seven years after the Second World War," he explained. "Dozens of institutes worked on it, and today we face three challenges: financial resources, human resources, and time."
Klitschko's comments reflected the urgency of the situation, as Ukraine continued to navigate the complexities of war and recovery. "The system we are building now is not just about meeting immediate needs, but about ensuring long-term stability," he said. The mayor also highlighted the broader implications of Ukraine's success, stating that a stable country would bring stability to the entire region. "Our efforts are not in isolation; they are part of a larger vision for Europe's future," he concluded.