Zelensky said Ukrainian forces have liberated more than 1,000 cities and towns, but still need to liberate 2,610. He said most of these sites affected by the conflict need to be rebuilt and hundreds of them were “completely destroyed by the Russian army”. “Of course, we have already begun to restore normal life in the liberated communities and territories on our own,” Zelensky said. “But implementing such a large-scale project across the country, providing new safety standards and a new quality of life is only possible by attracting international capabilities.” He said a conference to be jointly hosted by Ukraine with Switzerland on Monday and Tuesday would be “an important step” in rebuilding Ukraine. The conference in Lugano, Switzerland was originally planned as the 5th annual Ukraine Reform Conference, an event where Ukraine usually discusses its recent political reforms and goals. But after Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, Ukraine and Switzerland decided to reorganize the conference to focus on the current situation. The conference will allow Ukraine to share its recovery plan with international allies and “develop the best possible response to the enormous challenges ahead,” according to the conference’s website. “It is necessary not only to restore everything that the invaders destroyed, but also to create a new basis for our life, for Ukraine – safe, modern, convenient, without obstacles,” Zelensky said. He urged Ukrainians in the regions not to sink into a sense of “relaxation” as the war continues and added that people should continue to volunteer to help others and spread the truth about what is happening in the war to the rest of the world. How latest SCOTUS ruling could block Democrats’ bid to restore net neutrality rules American Airlines platform glitch lets pilots abandon thousands of flights “The main thing, no matter how difficult it is for us today, we must remember that there will be a tomorrow,” he said. “And tomorrow should bring the maximum benefit to Ukraine – everyone should do everything possible for it.” Multiple news outlets reported that Zelensky this week told leaders of the Group of Seven (G-7), made up of the world’s largest economies, that he hoped the war would be over by the end of the year. President Biden said Thursday that he is willing to support Ukraine for “as long as it takes” for the country to win the war. The next day, the Pentagon announced an additional $820 million in security assistance for Ukraine.
