G7-led conference in Berlin to address priorities, financing conditions of Ukraine's reconstruction

MOSCOW. Oct 20 (Interfax) - Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, which currently holds the rotating G7 presidency, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will co-host the International Expert Conference on the Recovery, Reconstruction and Modernization of Ukraine in Berlin on October 25, involving world-renowned experts from different international organizations, national governments, analytical centers and academic institutions and representatives of the Ukrainian government.

"The International Expert Conference is meant to emphasize that the international community is united and resolutely supports Ukraine and will continue to support Ukraine on top of its urgent needs and on its path toward membership in the EU," Ukrainian media said, citing a statement published on the website of the German federal government.

"Cost estimates have already been circulated, but there are no agreed tentative figures yet. However, costs keep rising every day. The current estimates vary a great deal depending on the conditions and the extent of what is meant by 'reconstruction' [early reconstruction/ humanitarian aid]. Therefore, among other issues, the conference will discuss how to set priorities, put various needs in order, as well as what options of financing are available," according to the conference's documents.