The 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference, which took place in Rome on July 10-11, was the fourth annual event of its kind and the largest to date. In attendance were around 6000 participants, including over fifty official country delegations and more than a dozen heads of government.
While the conference featured plenty of optimism, strong messaging, and ambitious plans, one key conclusion was that rebuilding Ukraine requires more than political support and good intentions. It demands concrete action, especially from the private sector.
This year’s URC in Italy made clear that the international community is paying close attention to Ukraine, with record numbers of attendees and standing room only for panels covering everything from defense tech to green energy. However, while interest is abundant, actual investment on the ground in wartime Ukraine remains scarce.
Turning attention into action is now one of the key tasks facing Ukraine. Dozens of business leaders expressed curiosity and goodwill in Rome, but few have yet taken the crucial next steps toward market entry. As the prospects of an imminent peace deal continue to fade, it is vital to replace this hesitancy with long-term strategic thinking.
Voice of Ukraine 