**Ukraine Needs International Help to Rebuild, Says US Envoy**
The international community must come together to help Ukraine rebuild its economy and infrastructure, according to Keith Kellogg, the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine. Speaking in Rome on July 9, Kellogg called for a new Marshall Plan-style initiative to support Ukraine’s recovery.
A Marshall Plan is an economic aid program that helped European countries recover from World War II. Kellogg suggested that something similar could be developed for Ukraine, but warned that it would be “extremely challenging” given the current situation. He noted that a ceasefire must first be achieved, which would eventually lead to the end of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
**Ukraine Recovery Conference Underway**
Kellogg’s comments come ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, co-hosted by Ukraine and Italy from July 10 to 11. The conference aims to mobilize international support for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. It is the fourth major event focused on this issue, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing Ukraine.
Ukraine continues to face daily aerial bombardments and repel Russian ground offensives across the front line. This has put immense pressure on the country’s economy and infrastructure. The Financial Times reported that Kyiv faces a projected deficit of $8 billion to $19 billion for 2026, driven largely by declining U.S. assistance and the absence of a breakthrough toward a ceasefire.
**Returning Ukrainian Children a Key Priority**
Kellogg also emphasized the importance of returning Ukrainian children who have been displaced or taken away from their families during the conflict. He noted that U.S. President Donald Trump had raised this issue directly with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging it to be a key point in any future negotiations with Moscow. Kellogg added that the Russian side reportedly agreed to include it on the agenda of future talks.
**Substantive Meeting Between Zelensky and Kellogg**
Prior to the open discussion, Kellogg met with Zelensky ahead of the Recovery Conference. The president described their conversation as “substantive” and said the meeting focused on weapons support and sanctions. The conference opens amidst ongoing hostilities between Ukraine and Russia.
**What’s Next?**
The fate of Ukraine’s economy and people hangs in the balance. As the international community gathers to discuss support for Ukraine’s reconstruction, one thing is clear: a new Marshall Plan-style initiative could be just what Ukraine needs to get back on its feet.
