Anastasia FliahinaOverview of the REBIRTH OF UKRAINE trade mission
to the United Kingdom of Great Britain
Part 1 - London, May 19-24, 2025
On May 18
London welcomed us not just as a city, but as a space where every street is intertwined with stories, and every step reminds us that the future is being built today. The first day of our REBIRTH OF UKRAINE trade mission was intense, but not because we accomplished a lot, but because every moment mattered.
On May 19
An important meeting awaited us at the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom, which marked the beginning of our mission. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, did not just talk about recovery — he looked into the essence of our efforts, emphasizing that every project, every community, every business, every initiative is a chance for Ukraine to reopen itself to the world. The war has left deep scars, but right now we have a unique opportunity to pool our resources, knowledge, and faith in a better future. Foreign investors are not just partners; they are people who are ready to join in a true revival, where business goes hand in hand. Valerii Zaluzhnyi emphasized that real support is not a temporary gesture, but a long-term relationship built through constant work, openness, and trust.
That is why it is important to establish regional cooperation, twinning, and develop partnerships at the community and business levels. “Don’t wait for friends to come to you. Reach out, be open, honest, open up to the world — and the world will open up to you. Businesses, communities, city halls — these are your allies in recovery. Both Britain and the Ukrainian diaspora here are your partners”. After the official part, the atmosphere turned into something more than just networking: it was a time for sincere conversations, for exchanging ideas that arise at the intersection of different experiences. We heard about successes, obstacles, and how important it is not to give up — and each of us felt that this is how real change begins. On the same day, the tour of London became not just a walk around the city, but a reminder: history is what we create every day. Ukraine, with its resilience, talented people, and desire for cooperation, has every chance of becoming an example of how to be reborn with new strength.
On May 20
Thanks to the work of the Mayors’ Club team, Ukrainian co-organizers from the Economy of Trust company, as well as the support of the UK Department for Business & Trade and many other partners, the Ukrainian-British Business Forum in London became a unique platform for real dialogue, partnerships, and inspiration for more than two hundred participants who came from different parts of Ukraine and the UK. From the very first minutes of registration, the atmosphere was filled with energy and anticipation of groundbreaking encounters. The forum left behind not only new contacts, but also the feeling that Ukraine’s economic recovery is no longer a dream, but a real process in which each participant became part of a great story. You can read more about the key speeches at the link.
The pitch sessions on May 21
Were also a key event for Ukrainian and British business and expert communities, who gathered at two locations — Coventry University and CMS Law Firm. From early morning, the atmosphere was extremely focused: every participant understood that not only the fate of individual projects was being decided here, but also new partnerships were being formed that would influence the future of entire industries.
The morning at Coventry University was devoted to four key areas: urban studies, IT and innovation, medicine, and education and social projects. It began with networking and coffee, which immediately set an informal tone and allowed participants to quickly get to know each other. The moderators — British and Ukrainian experts, including Henry Shternberg and Lars Grenkier — kept the momentum going and prevented the discussions from becoming too formal.
The Smart Urban Planning session brought together representatives of leading architectural firms, engineering companies, and developers. Issues discussed included the integration of modern technologies into the urban environment, infrastructure restoration, and the role of international partnerships. One of the speakers, Yevgeniya Pozigun from Zaha Hadid Architects, emphasized: “We don’t just design buildings, we shape the environment in which future generations will live comfortably.”
IT & Innovation is all about digital transformation, startups, artificial intelligence, and new business models. Ukrainian developers presented solutions that are already being tested on the British market, while experts from London shared their experience in scaling technology projects. “It is important for us not only to find an investor, but also to gain expertise to enter the global market,” said Andriy Pizhevsky from Vinnytsia.
The medical block focused on innovations in pharmaceuticals, cosmetology, and corporate transactions in the healthcare sector. Issues such as certification, entering international markets, and partnerships with British clinics were discussed.
After the break, the focus shifted to education, social infrastructure, and projects with social impact. Representatives from the University of Birmingham, the Kyiv School of Economics, and Ukrainian experts in leadership and coaching discussed how to change approaches to learning, support internally displaced persons, and create new educational products. “Education is a long-term investment in the sustainability of society,” emphasized Daria Berestok.
After lunch, the pitch sessions continued at CMS Law Firm, where the focus shifted to practical issues of industrial park development, agribusiness, and energy. Specific figures and real-life cases were presented, and conditions for attracting investment, as well as requirements for transparency and environmental responsibility, were discussed.
Agribusiness: case studies on technological solutions in agriculture, exports, logistics, and market challenges. “Supply stability and the search for new markets are our main challenges,” said Olesia Shakalo-Olshanetskaya.
May 22 was a day filled with new encounters and new opportunities.
The morning train from London to Leeds marked the beginning of a busy day for the Ukrainian delegation, which had come to the United Kingdom to discuss ways of cooperating in Ukraine’s recovery. The city of Leeds, one of the country’s key business centers, welcomed the participants with exciting events, where each meeting brought them closer to their common goal: creating strong partnerships for future reconstruction.
The first item on the agenda was UKREiiF, a large-scale event in the field of real estate, infrastructure, and investment. Here, among thousands of professionals, Ukrainian representatives had the opportunity to meet potential partners, discuss current projects, and establish dialogue with those who are already ready to join in the reconstruction of our country.
Accompanied by Alex Sobel, UK Special Trade Representative in Ukraine, the delegation visited the exhibition area of the British company CITU, which specializes in modular houses that are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly and inexpensive. With the participation of Riannon Kempson, Deputy Director for Ukraine Reconstruction at the UK Department for Business and Trade, the possibility of involving this company in the reconstruction process in Ukraine was discussed. After that, the delegation moved on to a more intimate but no less important format – a round table with Alex Sobel, the UK’s Special Trade Representative in Ukraine.
Following a speech by Lord Khan of Burnley, Lords Minister for Faith, Communities and Resettlement, who expressed the British government’s position on supporting Ukraine, Ukrainian colleagues exchanged views with British experts in the intimate atmosphere of the round table on how the private sector can become a driver of reconstruction. The conversation focused not only on financing, but also on the exchange of knowledge, technology, and experience that will help Ukraine rebuild more effectively.
Next on the agenda was a special event – a networking reception entitled “Ukraine – United Kingdom: Rebuilding Together,” which was attended by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire. Here, in an informal atmosphere, representatives of business, local government, and civil society organizations discussed specific steps that could bring British cities and Ukrainian regions together. From heartfelt conversations about Ukraine’s needs to concrete proposals for cooperation, this evening was a vivid example of how initiatives can be translated into practical action.
Between business meetings, the Ukrainian delegation learned about British experience in the field of ecology by visiting the Enfinium waste recycling plant. The waste processing technologies used here could be useful for Ukraine in the future, especially given the damaged infrastructure and the need to develop green energy.
The day ended with a return to London – not only physical, but also symbolic. After all, every meeting, every new contact, and every idea born on this day is another step towards a shared future, where Ukraine, with the support of international partners, will be able to rebuild itself even stronger and more modern.
May 23 – Strategic dialogue in the heart of London: meeting of the Ukrainian delegation with the Lord Mayor of the City of London and representatives of The City UK project.
The meeting was moderated by former Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveney, who is currently heavily involved in various projects in Ukraine and therefore has a clear understanding of the challenges Ukraine must overcome on its path to financing projects.
In the heart of the British financial system, at the historic Mansion House, an important meeting took place between the Ukrainian delegation and the Lord Mayor of the City of London. This event was a logical continuation of the dialogue on partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, now at the level of a financial and business hub of global significance.
The City of London Corporation, headed by the Lord Mayor, is a unique institution that combines centuries-old traditions with modern approaches to managing one of the most influential financial centers on the planet. During the meeting, issues related to supporting the Ukrainian economy and attracting investment in the restoration and development of key infrastructure projects were discussed.
The atmosphere in the historic halls of Mansion House was conducive to open dialogue. The Ukrainian side shared its current needs and priorities for reconstruction, while British colleagues expressed their willingness to consider specific mechanisms for cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the opportunities offered by the London financial market, which could become a key instrument in attracting resources for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
This meeting once again emphasized that the City of London sees Ukraine not only as an object of support, but also as a promising partner with great potential. From financial instruments to the exchange of experience in the field of management, cooperation can open new horizons for both sides.
Ending in a warm and businesslike atmosphere, the meeting left behind not only official photographs, but also concrete intentions for further joint work. And while the Square Mile is traditionally associated with the power of global finance, today it has also become a symbol of new opportunities for Ukraine.
We ended our last working day in London with a wonderful educational tour of London’s historic cities.