U.S. companies interested in investing in reconstruction of Kharkiv's energy infrastructure - mayor

American companies have expressed interest in investing in the reconstruction of Kharkiv's energy infrastructure.

Kharkiv City Mayor Ihor Terekhov spoke of this on the air of the national telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Yesterday, I wrapped up my U.S. visit, which was really busy. At all meetings, the core topic was Kharkiv’s post-war recovery. The United States is our strategic partner. In the Ukrainian House, there were meetings with investors, international companies, organizations, and international funds. It was primarily about restoring the energy infrastructure as there is interest in investing in it," said mayor.

According to Terekhov, the total losses inflicted on the city by Russia’s invasion currently amount to nearly $9.5 billion. No government would be able to invest such an amount in reconstruction.

"We have rough estimates, but the war continues, as do strikes, and I believe we will see more destruction. Today it is $9.5 billion. This is certainly huge money, and no country can afford to spend such funds on Kharkiv alone, on its restoration," said Terekhov.

He added that during his working trip to the USA, he spoke with officials from international financial institutions about attracting funds, including loans for the restoration of Kharkiv and its critical infrastructure.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, in late April, Terekhov traveled to the U.S. for negotiations with representatives of the American government regarding Kharkiv’s recovery. He visited Washington, D.C., and attended the Summit of the Cities in Denver.