“What Ukraine Needs Now” - Victor Pinchuk Foundation to host YES Dinner Discussion Ahead of URC in Gdansk

On June 24, 2026, on the eve of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Gdańsk, the Victor Pinchuk Foundation and Yalta European Strategy (YES) will convene international leaders, policymakers, business executives, experts, and representatives of civil society for the traditional YES Dinner Discussion.

This year’s discussion will focus on the topic: What Ukraine Needs Now. While long-term commitments for after the war are crustal, Ukraine’s partners can make a vital difference with more decisive support now. What actions can finally end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and secure a just and lasting peace? What investments and political steps will not only prepare Ukraine’s recovery but also boost its security now?

Expected speakers include:

• Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Estonia (TBC);
• Radosław Sikorski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland;
• Andrii Sybiha, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine;
• Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine;
• Jeremy Lewin, US Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom;
• Kęstutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania;
• Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement;
• Monika Wielichowska, Deputy Speaker of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland;
• Odile Renaud-Basso, President, EBRD;
• Conor Coleman, Head of Investments, DFC;
• Brittney Shki-Giizis, UAV crew commander, Ukrainian Armed Forces;
• Yulian Pylypei, Marine Corps officer, Ukrainian Armed Forces;
• Aleksander Kwaśniewski, President of the Republic of Poland (1995–2005); Chairman of the YES Board.

Moderator: Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden (2006–2014); Prime Minister of Sweden (1991–1994); Co-Chair of ECFR; Member of the YES Board.

The event will be livestreamed and can be viewed via the link The discussion will commence at 7:00 p.m. CET.

Since 2023, on the eve of each Ukraine Recovery Conference, the Victor Pinchuk Foundation has hosted YES Dinner Discussions. International and Ukrainian leaders debate candidly how to make support for Ukraine even more effective: to end the war, create security for Ukraine and Europe, and enable Ukraine’s innovative economy and powerful society to surge.