Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko spoke online at the opening of the Kyiv Investment Forum, which is taking place today in Brussels. Brussels Mayor Philippe Klose proposed to organize such a forum and gather potential investors who want to help Kyiv and Ukraine.

"Unfortunately, I cannot be with you today in person. The situation in Kyiv and Ukraine, the challenges that need to be overcome promptly require my presence in Kyiv. For the first time, the forum is held outside Kyiv. And it is symbolic that the first foreign investment forum of Kyiv is held in Brussels, in the heart of Europe. Because Kyiv residents and all Ukrainians see their future in the European family", - said Vitali Klitschko and thanked the Mayor of Brussels Philippe Klose, the Chamber of Commerce and the Union of Entrepreneurs of Brussels for the proposal to hold the investment forum in Brussels, as well as for their assistance in its organization.

The Mayor of Kyiv noted that today Ukrainians defend their European choice in the bloody war with the Russian aggressor who came to the Ukrainian land. They also defend European values, peace and stability on the entire European continent.

For more than 9 months Ukraine has not given up, fights and wins. Despite the numerical and military superiority of the enemy. Despite the total terror that he arranged against the civilians of Ukraine. Only in Kyiv, 678 objects were damaged or destroyed as a result of bomb and missile attacks. Among them, in particular, more than 350 residential buildings, 77 educational institutions, 80 housing and communal facilities, 25 transport infrastructure facilities, 26 healthcare facilities.

Since the beginning of the large-scale war in the capital, more than 150 civilians, including four children, have died.

"Today, we know the value of our freedom and dignity more than ever. We have proved that we are not afraid and will not submit. A very difficult winter awaits Kyiv and the capital agglomeration. As a result of Russian missile strikes, many critical infrastructure facilities have been damaged. In the city, as well as in the whole country, there is a shortage of electricity, its supply is cut off. We have already restored heat and water supply after the last attack. Unconquered Kyiv lives and works. Utilities are working 24/7 to provide residents with vital services and comfort. We are considering various scenarios of possible developments. In the situation of war in which we live, we need to have emergency plans. And be ready to act. We have prepared more than 400 heating points. We have purchased and engaged electric generators as assistance, made stocks of fuel, water and everything necessary for these points to receive people," he added.

The Mayor of Kyiv noted that winter was coming, which would be a very difficult test for Ukrainians. And it will be difficult for Ukraine to cope without the help of partners.

"Today, Kyiv is in vital need of generators, city buses, ambulances, rescue vehicles, warm clothes, long-term foodstuffs. The cruel and insidious enemy wants to intimidate us, destroy the Ukrainian statehood and the Ukrainian people. But we stand, fight and believe in our victory over Putin's dictatorship! Ours and our partners and allies. Such as Belgium, all the countries of the democratic world. This is the only way to deprive the aggressor of the opportunity to blackmail Ukraine and the European community. This is the only way to build a new, more reliable system of European security," Vitali Klitschko emphasized.

He thanked partners and friends who provide Kyiv with economic, financial and humanitarian assistance. In particular, Vitali Klitschko thanked the city of Brussels and Mayor Philippe Klose for ambulances, medical equipment, humanitarian aid, support for Ukrainians fleeing the war.

"The war continues, but we are already thinking about rebuilding our city. Or rather - about its post-war renewal and transformation. To do this, it is not enough to repair damaged and rebuild destroyed houses and buildings. Our goal is to modernize the capital and municipal economy. Kyiv must become a city with new energy, transport, service and social infrastructure based on the most modern, innovative technologies. Special attention is also paid to ecology, environmental development and health care. Using the unique natural characteristics of Kyiv, we want to consolidate its reputation as a city for healthy living. We see post-war Kyiv as a dynamic city with attractive conditions for business - both Ukrainian and foreign. Creating new jobs, especially in the fields of innovative economy, is a priority for the city authorities. And we have all the factors necessary for success," Vitali Klitschko emphasized.

The Mayor reminded that Kyiv has always been the first in transformations and changes in Ukraine. The city has implemented the most daring and innovative solutions. And will continue to implement them.

"Ukraine must continue to work on reforms and emerge after the war as a new - powerful and modern - state. The pace of our progress towards EU and NATO membership, which is supported by the absolute majority of Ukrainians, will depend on this. We are well aware of the importance of support from European partners for Ukraine. And today - for the victory over Putin's regime. And in the future - for the post-war recovery, Kyiv and Ukraine need your investments and high technologies. We count on assistance and mutually beneficial cooperation with the EU institutions, state authorities of the EU member states and business communities. A united, stable and powerful Europe is impossible without a free and successful Ukraine. And I am convinced that together we will win! And we will become even stronger!" Vitali Klitschko emphasized.

Kyiv Investment Forum, which takes place in Brussels, gathered more than 300 participants - representatives of European institutions, municipalities, international investment funds and financial organizations, European business environment.

Among the participants are the mayors of Brussels, Paris, Helsinki, Sarajevo, Rome, Poznan, Lyon, Riga, Podgorica, Vilnius, EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, Regional Director of the International Finance Corporation for Central and Eastern Europe Rana Karadsheh-Haddad, Head of the European Investment Bank in Ukraine Jean-Erik de Zagon, Deputy Director General of the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Katarina Mathernova, founder of Klitschko Ventures Volodymyr Klitschko, Director of Google. org Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa Rohan Barnett. As well as ambassadors of 18 foreign countries in the Kingdom of Belgium (Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Netherlands, the United States, Great Britain and Hungary) and representatives of diplomatic missions of Italy and Japan.

Vitali Klitschko will take part in an online discussion on the future reconstruction of Kyiv and will talk to foreign journalists.

During the forum, twinning agreements with several European cities will be signed. As well as the Memorandum with the European Investment Bank on the allocation of 450 million euros for the modernization of Kyiv subway wagons.