When First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko logged on to a virtual meeting this summer with me and CEOs from U.S. insurance carriers, she was holed up in a bunker.
I learned that she was joining us from a visit to the front lines of her nation’s fight against Russia.
Even in an active war zone, Minister Svyrydenko harbored no doubts that the Ukrainian people would prevail, and she was laser-focused on laying the groundwork for Ukraine’s reconstruction. I’ve met with her on several occasions, and each time have been impressed and truly inspired by her strength, stamina, brilliance, and courage.
With a deep knowledge of economics, a passion for leveraging Ukraine’s assets in everything from agriculture to green tech, and a fierce opposition to corruption, Minister Svyrydenko is dedicated not just to rebuilding Ukraine, but also to developing a strong, free, and prosperous Ukrainian economy that achieves the ambitious goal of a $1 trillion GDP.
Minister Svyrydenko is emblematic of the Ukrainian people’s resilience. With young, smart, and determined leaders like her at the helm, Ukraine’s postwar future is looking brighter than ever.
Raimondo is the U.S. Secretary of Commerce
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