Mariupol mayor presents city recovery plan in United States

"Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko spoke at the Meridian Diplomacy Forum in Washington, D.C. at the invitation of the American side. The event is dedicated to Ukrainian municipalities that work towards reconstructing the cities and towns affected by the war. Boychenko presented Mariupol Reborn, a large-scale city recovery plan," the Mariupol City Council posted on Telegram.

As the Council noted, this plan for the revival of the seaside city is drafted ahead of the de-occupation, so that reconstruction could begin immediately after the liberation of Mariupol. World architects, urban designers, and experts have already joined the development of this plan.

In his speech, Boychenko emphasized that Mariupol became a symbol of this devastating war.

"We cannot change this fact in its history, but we can build a new future for it. Already now, together with the international community and partners, we start to write a new chapter in the history of the city – ‘Mariupol Reborn’. This is part of the big plan for the reconstruction of Ukraine which President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is talking about. We hope for support from the USA and the American people. Mariupol should become a symbol of the victory of democracy and freedom," the mayor stressed.

As reported, Mariupol has suffered one of the biggest humanitarian disasters caused by Russia's aggression. The city is almost 90% destroyed by enemy shelling. Residential buildings, hospitals, schools, kindergartens, etc. are damaged and ruined.

According to preliminary estimates, Mariupol suffered damage and destruction worth $14 billion due to the Russian invasion.

Video: Mariupol City Council