Today, on October 31st, in Milan, Italy, a public discussion took place as part of the "Laboratory of Ukraine's Reconstruction" project. The event, organized by the Milan Triennale and the National Museum of 21st Century Arts (MAXXI), was attended by representatives of the governments of Ukraine and Italy, mayors of Ukrainian and Italian cities, and representatives of cultural institutions. The purpose of the event was to address the issues of reconstructing cities and architectural objects, as well as preserving and restoring Ukraine's cultural heritage, which has suffered due to the war.

The participants were welcomed by the Acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy, Rostyslav Karandiev. He emphasized that Russian aggression is aimed at the total destruction of Ukrainian spirituality and identity.

"Russian aggression has resulted in numerous human casualties, the destruction of cultural heritage sites, the theft of cultural valuables, and attempts to erase Ukrainian national memory. The preservation of historical and cultural heritage in conditions of armed conflict and holding the aggressor country accountable for the damage done is of paramount importance," emphasized Rostyslav Karandiev.

The Acting Minister expressed his gratitude to Italian partners for their support and cooperation in the restoration of cultural objects in Ukraine, including the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral in the city of Odessa.

"Ukraine does not change its geopolitical positioning. We are building strong relationships with democratic European countries and see ourselves as part of the European family. I am confident that with joint efforts, the civilized world will prevail and establish the supremacy of universal human values," stated Rostyslav Karandiev.

Special attention during the event was given to the restoration of the city of Odessa, which Italy has taken under its patronage, as well as the restoration of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral and other important historical sites in the city.

The "Laboratory of Ukraine's Reconstruction" project consists of three stages that will take place in Milan, Rome, and Kyiv. The second stage of discussions and events will be held at the MAXXI Museum in Rome, continuing the dialogue between the project participants. The project will conclude with a conference in Kyiv, laying the foundation for further collaboration and assessing the effectiveness of the developed plans for cooperation.