An open discussion recorded during the World Economic Forum in Davos (Winter 2026) brought together Ukrainian policymakers, legal experts, diaspora representatives and international media to address one of the most complex challenges facing Europe today: Ukraine’s reconstruction during an ongoing war.

The discussion focused on emergency recovery needs, long-term rebuilding strategies, investment risks, and the legal and institutional frameworks required to attract international capital while ensuring security, transparency and sustainability.

Moderation and Legal Framing

The discussion was moderated by Anastasiia Dziuba, Legal Advisor and Steering Committee Member of Lighthouse Legal Advisory Media Platform (Zurich). Veronika Dudak, Steering Committee Member of Lighthouse Legal Advisory, also contributed to the moderation, highlighting the importance of legal coordination between Ukrainian institutions, international investors and global financial mechanisms.

From a legal and governance perspective, the moderation emphasized:

• international investment protection mechanisms,

• war-related risk mitigation,

• transparency and accountability in reconstruction processes,

• and the role of law as a stabilizing instrument in post-war recovery.

Lighthouse Legal Advisory Media Platform acted as a neutral legal and analytical facilitator, ensuring that the discussion moved beyond political declarations toward concrete, legally grounded solutions.

Media Perspective

The discussion was conducted in an open interview format with participation from international media.

Virginie Mangin, journalist at SWI swissinfo.ch, contributed from a European and Swiss media perspective, focusing on:

• investor confidence,

• international political uncertainty,

• and the implications of global policy shifts for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

The Swissinfo perspective ensured that the discussion addressed not only Ukrainian priorities, but also how Ukraine’s recovery is perceived by international audiences, investors and policymakers.

Key Participants

Artem Rybchenko
Ukrainian diplomat, former Ambassador of Ukraine to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (2018–2022), currently Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.

Rybchenko presented Ukraine’s institutional and strategic vision for reconstruction, emphasizing:

• the scale and volatility of damage caused by daily attacks,

• the challenge of planning reconstruction amid ongoing hostilities,

• and the need for integrated platforms such as YouAreCube, designed as a one-stop ecosystem for international partners to access Ukraine’s recovery needs.

He stressed that reconstruction is not a single act, but a continuous cycle of repair, rebuilding and protection, particularly in energy and civilian infrastructure.

Oleksandr Romanishyn
Former Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

Romanishyn placed a strong emphasis on the Ukrainian business diaspora as a trusted investment partner. Drawing on analytical work conducted with ISE Group and the Ukrainian American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he highlighted that:

• over 45,000 Ukrainian-American companies operate in the United States,

• generating approximately USD 60 billion in annual revenue,

• with deep trust relationships in Western markets.

According to Romanishyn, diaspora businesses can act as first movers in reconstruction:

• reducing perceived risk for international investors,

• bridging Ukrainian and Western legal systems,

• and creating joint ventures that align with international compliance standards.

He noted that this model is already expanding to Canada, Poland, the United Kingdom and Germany, positioning the diaspora as a transnational investment infrastructure rather than a symbolic community.

Dmytro Sidenko
Head of the Ukrainian-Swiss Association, member of Swiss-Ukrainian Reconstruction Agency.

Sidenko emphasized Switzerland’s role as a platform for practical dialogue and institutional trust, rather than political declarations. He underlined the importance of:

• neutral jurisdictions,

• predictable legal systems,

• and public-private cooperation in facilitating Ukraine’s recovery.

Thanks to this approach, venues such as the House of Switzerland became spaces for concrete answers, partnership-building and long-term cooperation.

Core Themes of the Discussion

Drawing directly from the discussion recorded in Davos this year, several key themes emerged:

1. Emergency Needs vs. Long-Term Reconstruction
Participants emphasized that Ukraine is forced to rebuild every day, often repairing the same infrastructure repeatedly due to continued attacks. This makes long-term planning exceptionally complex and resource-intensive.

2. Investment Risk in a Warzone
The discussion distinguished between:

• physical war risk (destruction, security),

• and market risk (lack of familiarity with Ukraine’s regulatory environment).

European and international instruments — including war-risk insurance, export credit agencies and EU-backed guarantees — were discussed as critical tools for mitigating these risks.

3. Legal Protection and Transparency
Legal certainty was identified as a decisive factor for investors. Participants stressed the importance of:

• state-backed guarantees,

• clear procurement frameworks,

• and government accountability toward beneficiaries and investors.

4. Jobs as a Magnet for Return
Beyond housing and infrastructure, speakers highlighted that employment opportunities are essential for encouraging citizens to return to Ukraine. Reconstruction must therefore prioritize economic ecosystems, not only physical assets.

Conclusion

The Davos discussion 2026 demonstrated that Ukraine’s reconstruction is not merely a financial challenge, but a legal, institutional and trust-based process. Platforms like Lighthouse Legal Advisory Media Platform, by combining legal expertise, international dialogue and media visibility, play a critical role in shaping this process.

The conversation underscored a clear message:
Ukraine’s recovery will depend not only on aid, but on trusted partnerships, legal certainty and the strategic engagement of its global diaspora.