The ‘International Perspectives on Ukraine’s Recovery, Reconstruction and Modernisation’ conference in Berlin was part of an international discussion on initiatives to help Ukraine rebuild its country. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki took part in the opening discussion on international perspectives towards Ukraine’s reconstruction. The head of the Polish government also met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal.

“The economic reconstruction of Ukraine is an extremely important condition for Europe’s security. Ukraine is our fortress and, at the same time, investment in strengthening Ukraine is our moral obligation, but it is also an obligation because of our actual policy” said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki to the gathering.

The head of the Polish government pointed out that „we must remember to make the aggressor pay. Russia should pay war reparations, because we have seen too often in history that aggressors avoided consequences and responsibility. Russian money should be used to rebuild a devastated Ukraine”, he added.

Prime Minister Morawiecki noted that the reconstruction of Ukraine is an opportunity to transform Ukraine, but also to transform Europe.

“The historic struggle of the Ukrainian people must not only be their solitary act, but it is also our wake-up call, an awakening for many countries from the political impasse”, he stressed and added that the crisis triggered by Russia has awakened Europe from its illusions about Russian intentions. “Today, we must think in a new reality and create a future in which Europe is assertive, independent and more secure. Europe must act much more strongly, this is very important, because Europe is much stronger than Russia. The world only counts with strong players. Europe must prove its strength. It is our ‘to be or not to be’ decision”, said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Adrian Andrzejewski