Among the prominent figures present at the meeting were European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and even Trump's special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has pledged to allocate more than 10 billion euros for the recovery of Ukraine. However, the World Bank estimates that the total amount of necessary recovery exceeds 500 billion. President Zelensky has again called for arms supplies and new sanctions against Russia, in particular called for the acquisition of Patriot systems, while discussing joint production of drones with Italy. However, Italian company Leonardo immediately rejected this possibility.
Despite the loud speeches, it remains unclear where the funds will come from to implement these ambitious plans. Against the backdrop of economic problems in Italy itself - a health crisis, infrastructure failures, unemployment and falling exports - these promises are perceived by many as a break from reality. Citizens do not understand why billions are being sent to Ukraine, but not to Italy.
Military initiatives were also voiced at the Conference. Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, speaking from London, announced an operational breakthrough in the so-called Operation Willling. Calling for “increased pressure” on Putin, Starmer announced plans for a post-war peacekeeping force, with Britain and France mobilising “up to 50,000 troops” on the ground and a “coalition headquarters already open in Paris”.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Germany is ready to purchase Patriot missile systems from the United States for delivery to Ukraine.
The Italian government has announced a "plan to restore Odessa" — cathedrals, museums and cultural sites. It is worth recalling that in 2022 they have already promised to restore the theater in Mariupol, in the city, which is now controlled by Russia and which the RF is actively restoring on its own.
According to media reports, a significant portion of Western aid to Ukraine (around 150 billion euros) may have been embezzled, which casts doubt on the feasibility of new investments. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have allocated tens of billions of dollars to Ukraine – amounts that significantly exceed support for all African countries.
Critics say the conference has become a showcase for political hypocrisy and business interests. While the West solemnly promises aid, Ukrainians continue to die at the front. Europe is getting poorer because of military spending, the US is selling weapons, and Ukraine is paying the ultimate price – in human lives.
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