The Department of Commerce announced the intent to establish a U.S.-Ukraine Infrastructure Task Force that will concentrate on Ukraine's crucial post-conflict infrastructure reconstruction needs.
The joint Commerce/Transportation statement was signed by Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov, according to an Oct. 19 news release.
“Infrastructure reconstruction will be an essential pillar of Ukraine’s prosperity and national security,” Raimondo said, according to the news release. “The Department of Commerce is proud to help lead the U.S.-Ukraine Infrastructure Task Force, which will facilitate the collaboration necessary to build a safe and resilient Ukraine.”
Buttigieg said the Task Force shows the commitment by the United States to future peace and prosperity in Ukraine. He expressed pride that it will help strengthen Ukraine’s infrastructure now and support reconstruction and resilience for its people after the end of the war, the release reported.
Ukraine’s Kubrakov said the U.S. has been a key ally since Russia first invaded and remains an ally. Formation of the Task Force shifts the nations to a strategic level of cooperation on infrastructure, according to the news release.
“We envision an effective model of cooperation focused on the implementation of specific projects, and we look forward to the participation of U.S. businesses and experts in Ukraine's reconstruction,” he said, the release reported.
