Since February 2022, when Putin conducted his illegal atrocity against Ukraine and democracy at large, I have been supporting Ukraine in every way possible.
It was a great honor to travel with Penny Pritzker, Special Representative and Former Commerce Secretary, to Kyiv, Ukraine, alongside Patrick Fragman, CEO of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and John Heller, CEO of Amentum. We met with high-level government officials and heard what more we can all do to build our partnership between the United States, NATO countries, and the G7, who are united against Russia's illegal border grab.
This was the second CEO delegation to take place this year and focused on how we can bolster Ukraine’s thriving technology sector. We discussed ways to boost the country’s economic recovery and increase investment in the private sector. Even though conditions remain tough, the country remains strong and competitive with a great, skilled workforce. Investment is up 17%, and the economy grew 5% last year. Ukraine is beating the odds in its economic performance and continues to show resilience.
As United States Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink stated, “A transparent business environment and a strong rule of law are the key to Ukraine's recovery and its path to the EU.” I couldn’t agree more.
We spoke in detail about the digitization of reconstruction and cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S. private sector. We discussed the development of digital twins, AI, and rebuilding educational facilities, all of which are vital to Ukraine’s restoration. We met Fedorov Mykhailo, Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, to see firsthand how Ukraine’s thriving tech sector is adding transparency & drone innovation and production are making a difference on the frontlines. We also had an inspiring visit to the InScience.io program to activate women into the workforce.
We witnessed a heartbreaking view of the Russian terror up close at the Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital, which was purposely targeted in a missile attack mid-morning 22 days ago. Despite the death and destruction, we were still touched and amazed by the can-do spirit of the incredible hospital team, including Anastasiya Magerramova, who is head of the press office. Anastasiya was recently featured in the New York Times for her efforts to use her phone on a daily basis to document the civilians streaming into the hospital in Kyiv.
I was proud to contribute alongside each of these individuals, who are working hard to deepen our bilateral relations and enable Ukraine to build its own future. They've already done immense work and made incredible progress.
We have no choice but to stand with the brave Ukrainian people in their fight against the terrorist Putin and Russia’s unprovoked war. If their border is not protected, which border in the world will be?
