Ukraine is to receive 100 million euros from the European Union to rebuild destroyed schools in the country. “Because the future of Ukraine begins in its schools,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday during a speech on the state of the European Union in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
The attacks by Russia have destroyed more than 70 schools in Ukraine. Rebuilding the country will require massive resources. “We will also be committed to the long term,” announced von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen stressed the courage of the Ukrainian nation in its defense against Russia. She also spoke directly to Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, who was the guest of honor in Parliament. She will work with Selenska to rebuild the schools, von der Leyen said. “My dear Olena Selenska, it took tremendous courage to stand up to Putin’s cruelty, but you found the courage.”