Ukrainian president meets head of World Bank in Washington

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met the head of the World Bank and US defense companies as he arrived in Washington on a two-day visit said to be a lobbying effort at securing billions of dollars of US aid for its war effort against Russia.

“A good and productive meeting with the president of the World Bank, Ajay Banga. I am grateful for the support and constant interest in the success of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in a statement on Telegram late Monday.

Indicating that they discussed ways to strengthen his country’s financial system, strategies concerning the restoration of mortgage lending, and mechanisms regarding the use of frozen Russian assets for Kyiv’s benefit, Zelenskyy said he and Banga agreed to work together to “implement all strong ideas that will add economic stability to Ukraine.”

Ukraine’s presidency said in a separate statement that Zelenskyy and Banga also focused on increasing the share of cashless transactions in Ukraine's economic system.

Zelenskyy thanked Banga for the World Bank’s support to Kyiv since the start of Russia's war on Ukraine in February 2022, as well as for its mobilization of international financial assistance to his country and active support in cooperation with international donors.

“Ajay Banga reaffirmed the World Bank's readiness to consistently provide financial support and share the best global practices for Ukraine's economic recovery,” the statement said.

Zelenskyy, in a separate statement, said he met the heads of US defense companies and that he is grateful to “all workers, engineers, everyone who works in American defense companies and partners who make weapons that save Ukrainians and help our army defend the country.”

“We are ready to produce more ammunition and military equipment, but we need support. It is important to develop joint production of artillery ammunition, air defense systems, artillery, and missile systems. We can create more jobs, empower and benefit our people by working together,” Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy also met IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and is scheduled to hold talks with his US counterpart Joe Biden.