PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on US academics to join the restoration of Ukrainian educational institutions affected by Russian aggression

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 16 May 2022.

During an online conversation with the US university community, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited academics to join a program to rebuild schools and universities in Ukraine, as Russia destroyed thousands of Ukrainian educational institutions during the full-scale invasion.

According to the Head of State, a major plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine is being worked out, which will include, in particular, the reconstruction of schools, universities, institutes and other educational institutions.

“Thousands of educational institutions were destroyed. This is a great tragedy for us. Therefore, we will only be grateful to you if we have such projects for restoration at the level of ministries of education, at the level of educational programs, at the level of universities,” said the President.

“When we talk about restoration, it is a question of not only money, but also specialists. Because we can build an institution, a university, but it is very important that there are people who are carriers of knowledge and specialists. That is why we are ready for such joint work and we will be very grateful if you help us develop new educational programs,” he added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine’s reconstruction plan envisages programs to rebuild various sectors of the economy and public life.

“We form partnerships with one or another institution, with one or another state. We even have patronage. We already have several such examples. I know that the United States, Canada, European countries will choose the appropriate region for the reconstruction of our country,” said the President.