During the joint news conference, Penny Pritzker emphasized the importance of the U.S. aid package for Ukraine, stating that it is critical for saving Ukraine’s economy and ultimately winning the war. She also highlighted the personal connection her family has to Ukraine, with their great-grandfather having fled Kyiv over 140 years ago. The Pritzker family, well-known for their Hyatt hotel fortune, has deep Ukrainian roots, adding a personal dimension to their support for the country. Shmyhal expressed his gratitude for Illinois’ contribution of hundreds of ambulances and invited Illinois companies to participate in projects aimed at Ukraine’s recovery, emphasizing the magnitude of the challenges the country is facing.
Shmyhal cited World Bank estimates of $486 billion needed for Ukraine’s recovery over the next decade, underscoring the extensive damage caused by Russia’s invasion in 2022. One specific example he mentioned was the more than 250,000 residential buildings that have been damaged or destroyed as a result of the conflict. Highlighting the urgent need for assistance, Shmyhal’s visit to the United States, particularly Chicago, was focused on drumming up investment and business opportunities for Ukraine to aid in its recovery efforts. With Congress considering an aid package for Ukraine and other allies, the timing of Shmyhal’s visit is crucial in securing support for the country.
The Ukraine Prime Minister’s visit to Chicago included meetings with local business leaders to discuss potential investment opportunities in Ukraine. By engaging with Illinois companies, Shmyhal aimed to foster partnerships that could support the country’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. His efforts were supported by Penny Pritzker, who stressed the significance of the U.S. aid package in not only bolstering Ukraine’s economy but also in helping the country emerge victorious in the ongoing conflict. Given the Pritzker family’s personal ties to Ukraine, their involvement in advocating for support for the country added a heartfelt dimension to the discussions.
As part of his visit, Shmyhal also met with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, further solidifying the collaboration between Ukraine and the state. The discussions centered around the potential for Illinois companies to contribute to projects related to Ukraine’s recovery, leveraging the expertise and resources available in the state. With Illinois already making significant contributions such as sending hundreds of ambulances to Ukraine, the partnership between the two entities is poised to deepen, with mutual benefit for both sides. The visit highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by Ukraine and the significance of leveraging partnerships for long-term recovery.
In addressing the media during the joint news conference, Shmyhal reiterated the urgent need for support for Ukraine, emphasizing the severity of the situation the country is currently facing. With a focus on attracting investments and business opportunities, Shmyhal’s visit to the United States aimed to rally support for Ukraine’s recovery efforts. By engaging with key stakeholders in Chicago and emphasizing the scale of the challenges ahead, Shmyhal paved the way for potential collaborations that could help accelerate the country’s recovery process. The discussions with Illinois leaders and the Pritzker family underscored the importance of international solidarity in supporting Ukraine during its most challenging times.
