Out-numbered and out-gunned, Ukraine’s brave soldiers have withstood massive enemy onslaughts on the battlefield and inflicted catastrophic troop and equipment losses by effectively deploying rapidly evolving technologies at scale. This panel will explore the profound implications of Ukraine’s dynamic defence tech industry on the nature of warfare, on post-war European and global security, and on the evolution of Ukrainian society itself.

The panel will feature four Ukrainian defenders who will share their firsthand experiences from the frontlines, offering invaluable insights into the realities of war, resilience, and resistance in Ukraine’s ongoing fight for freedom and survival of Ukraine, Europe and the world. Beyond their personal stories, these soldiers will also highlight the unique capabilities and experiences of the Ukrainian Army that hold significant value for the West. Ukrainian defenders will share how their military’s adaptability, innovative strategies, and real-time battlefield knowledge are reshaping modern warfare, offering invaluable lessons for NATO and Western partners in countering aggression and strengthening global security.

Ukraine’s nominal GDP, which dropped from circa $200bn to $160bn in 2022, has now rebounded to an estimated $185bn in 2024 and is expected to exceed full-fledged invasion levels in 2025, driven by exports of agricultural, metals and metallurgy, IT and more, ongoing business and industrial resilience and about $35bn per annum in financial support by Ukraine’s steadfast partners given 55% of the country’s budget is military and security spend. Latest estimates of reconstruction and recovery by the World Bank total $486bn, the Kyiv School of Economics estimates indirect financial losses of the Ukrainian economy to exceed $1.2 trillion in lost revenue, while experts concur that the recovery, rebuild and reconstruction opportunity that Ukraine offers is well in excess of $1 trillion. This panel brings together government, investors and Ukraine’s valued partners to cover today’s investment opportunities in both SME and large sectors of the economy and the drivers of economic resilience, as well as what Ukraine and its partners are doing, and what opportunities exist, to lay the foundation for tomorrow’s massive growth, recovery and reconstruction opportunities on offer in Ukraine.

Ukraine is known as the “breadbasket” of Europe, feeding 400m globally through its agricultural bounty. Few are aware that the vast wealth underneath its soil includes natural resources worth $26 trillion, equivalent to the mineral wealth of Canada or Australia; more uranium than any country in Europe and its 2nd largest natural gas reserves; and 20,000 mineral deposits and some of the largest reserves of 117 of the 120 most widely used minerals. Critical minerals valued at nearly $12 trillion offer immense investment opportunities that have become a top focus for Ukraine’s Government and core to future strategic partnerships. This panel will bring together government, industry players and policy experts, delving into why critical minerals are key to Ukraine’s future national security and the abundant investment opportunities on offer.

The G7 agreement to extend to Ukraine $50 billion in loans, backed by the interest generated on the Russian sovereign assets is an important step towards ensuring the aggressor pays damages, though not the ultimate solution. Only the transfer of the circa $350 billion in frozen assets will effectively shift the cost burden. This panel explores the changed circumstances and new opportunities in different countries to report on, regulate, and open the door for the transfer of the $350 billion to support Ukraine’s fight to defend its sovereignty and freedom.