CHICAGO (AP) — Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal kicked off a visit to the United States on Tuesday with multiple stops in Chicago aimed at boosting investment and business in the war-torn country.
He spoke to Chicago-area business leaders before a joint news conference with Penny Pritzker, the U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery, and her brother, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Shmyhal’s trip comes as Congress considers an aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other allies.
“We would warmly welcome the participation of Illinois companies in projects related to Ukraine’s recovery,” he told reporters, calling it the country’s “most difficult time” in recent history.
He cited World Bank estimates of $486 billion needed for recovery over the next decade. For example, more than 250,000 residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed since the Russian invasion in 2022, he said.
Shmyhal also thanked Illinois for sending hundreds of ambulances.
Former US Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said the US aid package is crucial to save Ukraine’s economy and win the war.
She said the mission was also personal, given her family’s Ukrainian roots. The Pritzkers are heirs to their family’s Hyatt hotel fortune. Their great-grandfather fled Kiev, Ukraine, more than 140 years ago, Penny Pritzker said.
