US to Announce New "Robust Assistance Package" for Ukraine

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that he would present a new assistance package to Kyiv on Wednesday at the Ukraine Reform Conference in London.

"President Biden said that we would stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, and both of our countries are deeply committed to that," Reuters quotes, who Blinken said this at a press conference alongside British foreign minister James Cleverly on Tuesday.

"We will continue to deliver on that commitment, including through a new robust U.S. assistance package that I'll be able to announce tomorrow," added the U.S. Secretary of State.

The Ukraine Reform Conference, in London on Wednesday and Thursday, will involve over 1,000 foreign officials from more than 60 countries, as well as business leaders and global investors, discussing ways to support Ukraine's recovery efforts.

Both foreign ministers underlined the conference was focused on encouraging the private sector to use its resources to help speed Ukraine's reconstruction but that Kyiv had to do its part by pressing on with reform and the world had to figure out a way to offer companies insurance against war damage and destruction.

"This week is very much about creating the conditions necessary for public sector money, of course, but predominantly private sector money to fund their (Ukrainian) reconstruction," Cleverly said.

"Now, the precise details of how we do that, I don't want to prejudge. The whole point of the next couple of days is that the UK uses its expertise as a global financial services centre, including as a global insurance centre, but also our convening power," he added.

Prior to the conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

During the conversation, Zelenskyu emphasised the need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said that during the conference, the government will focus on three main aspects: rapid recovery, attracting private investment and regional development.