FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C
A Ukrainian delegation consisting of the high-impact advocacy group Razom We Stand, and mayors from some of Ukraine’s largest cities arrive in Washington, D.C., today with an ambitious goal: to secure substantial investments from U.S. government officials, financial institutions, and global corporations to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn infrastructure with a focus on renewable energy.
The delegation will engage with a wide range of U.S. stakeholders to highlight the critical role of local governance in Ukraine’s recovery and to build partnerships for economic growth. The clean energy sector in the United States is booming, and related job growth reached 4% in 2022, bringing the total number of workers in the industry to more than 3.3 million.
During their week-long visit, the Ukrainian delegation representing cities like Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, and Vasylkiv will meet with major financial leaders and US government officials. The trip aims to attract significant investment into wind, solar, battery storage, and other clean energy projects, enabling Ukraine to recover from the devastation of war, emerge as a leader in renewable energy, and strengthen global energy security. Energy experts have noted that it is significantly more challenging for an adversary to disable a solar installation or wind farm’s dispersed turbines compared to incapacitating a conventional power plant.
Alexander Romanishyn, Strategy Director at Razom We Stand, who is Co-chairing the Ukrainian mayors’ trip to Washington, D.C., said: “Investing in renewable energy is more than just a step toward a cleaner future for Ukraine – it is a key pillar of our national security and economic recovery. We aim to build a strategic partnership between Ukraine and the U.S., focused on energy security and economic modernization. By investing in Ukraine’s renewable energy sector, American businesses can help secure Ukraine’s energy independence while opening up opportunities for U.S. leadership in clean technology. Our mayors offer concrete investment opportunities to drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to a more secure and sustainable future for both nations.”
The delegation’s meetings will include:
- U.S. State Department: Ambassador Nina Hachigian, Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, will discuss opportunities for cooperation between U.S. and Ukrainian cities, emphasizing the role of local governance in fostering international collaboration.
- USAID: The delegation will meet with USAID’s Europe & Eurasia Bureau to discuss urban development initiatives, sustainable infrastructure, and opportunities for collaboration in rebuilding Ukraine’s cities.
- The World Bank: Discussions will focus on funding opportunities and resilience-building initiatives, particularly in urban infrastructure and disaster management.
- U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC): Meetings will explore financial tools available for Ukrainian recovery projects, emphasizing renewable energy and long-term development goals.
Participating in Ukraine’s reconstruction provides U.S. companies with invaluable experience in large-scale, post-conflict development projects, strengthens America’s global economic influence, and creates jobs for both nations. This partnership is vital to shaping a more secure and sustainable future for both countries.
The mayors’ visit underscores their vision for a sustainable recovery. Regarding Kyiv’s resilience, Deputy Mayor Valentyn Mondryivskyi said: “Kyiv, even in wartime conditions, remains a guarantor of business continuity. Many enterprises have resumed operations, and foreign investors are returning, reflecting trust in our leadership and our vision for the future. We are determined to rebuild a stronger, greener Kyiv, and this visit is key to securing the partnerships that will make that happen. In this regard, we encourage U.S. businesses to apply to our City Accelerator, where we implement the best international practices in energy efficiency, the use of alternative sources of electricity, and support for environmental initiatives.”
Mykola Vavryshchuk, Deputy Mayor of Khmelnytskyi, added: “As we fight for Ukraine’s survival, we are also planning its future. Our future depends on how swiftly we adapt to new realities and embrace new knowledge. My visit to the United States is an opportunity not only to share our experiences but also to learn from international best practices in energy conservation and heat supply, which is vital for Ukraine’s recovery. It is also a great opportunity to thank our American friends for their support of Ukraine and Khmelnytskyi and propose new investment projects that are important for the future of our city.”
The delegation will also participate in field visits to learn about effective governance and infrastructure development in U.S. cities, including meetings with the Mayors of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. They aim to bring these lessons back to Ukraine, where local governments play a pivotal role in rebuilding the country.
Mayor Natalia Balasynovych of Vasylkiv expressed her hopes for the future ahead of the trip: “We are not merely rebuilding structures; we are constructing a new energy infrastructure. Each restored facility in Vasylkiv will be functional, energy-efficient, and capable of operating autonomously. We are turning destruction into opportunity and building the Vasylkiv of the future. Although the war has its own realities, we must continue to live, plan and implement. Today, we all choose the right to independence and a decent future for our children”
Oleh Volsky, Mayor of Zhovkva said: “During a full-scale war, Ukrainian mayors are leaders on the ground. They, like the whole country, work for the greatest goal – victory over the enemy. Today, my greatest motivation is our armed forces, which protect the entire civilized world. I am convinced that a trip to the USA will give me more experience for the further development of my city and country. I hope to attract new projects for our territories and get to know colleagues from the USA.”
Razom We Stand and Ukraine’s mayors are leading the charge in turning tragedy into opportunity, with a focus on clean energy that can power the nation’s rebirth. Their visit to Washington, D.C., marks an essential step in securing the resources and partnerships necessary to rebuild stronger and more sustainably.
ENDS
Razom We Stand is a Ukrainian high-impact climate advocacy group. It calls for a total and permanent embargo on Russian fossil fuels and an immediate end to all investment in Russian oil and gas companies by phasing out fossil fuels globally.
Svitlana Romanko was previously quoted on the White House’s official website in response to the Biden administration’s decision to limit global LNG industry expansion and has appeared in top-tier international press, including Washington Post, CNN, NBC, AP, Politico, Bloomberg, The Hill, Financial Times, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, and Le Monde; a detailed list is here.
Press Contact:
Paraic Walker, [email protected]
Communications Specialist, Razom We Stand
