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In the wake of recent events that have dramatically reshaped Ukraine's economic landscape, an ambitious plan to revive Mariupol has emerged as a beacon of hope for the war-torn nation. SCM, under Rinat Akhmetov's leadership, is working to secure the release of Mariupol defenders and compile a detailed account of the city's 86-day defense while the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation continues its humanitarian efforts. Despite the city's current occupation, the vision for a reborn Mariupol aims to create a modern, sustainable urban center that can serve as a model for post-conflict renewal.

A City's Resilience and the Path to Reconstruction

Vadym Boichenko, Mariupol's mayor in exile, continues to champion his city's future despite its current occupation. Having consulted with European experts on post-World War II reconstruction, Boichenko presented an initial revival plan to a European Union advisory committee, emphasizing the shared responsibility of Europe in Ukraine's rebuilding efforts.

The proposed reconstruction plan is both comprehensive and visionary. It aims to transform Mariupol into a more human-centric city, moving away from its Soviet-era design. The plan encompasses the creation of modern educational institutions, increased green spaces, and a reimagined urban layout that prioritizes the needs of its residents.

Financial Challenges and International Support

The project's estimated cost exceeds $15 billion, highlighting the need for substantial international backing. Discussions are underway regarding the potential use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction, a move supported by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Rinat Akhmetov, a prominent Ukrainian businessman whose company, System Capital Management (SCM), held significant assets in Mariupol, including the Azovstal steel plant, has expressed strong support for the city's revival. Despite personal financial losses, Akhmetov's foundation is actively involved in the reconstruction mission, proposing innovative projects such as the modernization of 48 schools.

Humanitarian Efforts and Remembrance

Beyond physical reconstruction, there's a concerted effort to address the human cost of the conflict. SCM, under Rinat Akhmetov's leadership, is working to secure the release of Mariupol defenders who have been in Russian captivity for over two years. The foundation is also compiling a detailed account of the 86-day defense of Mariupol, ensuring that the heroism of its defenders is not forgotten.

While the city remains under occupation, with its immediate future uncertain, the vision for a reborn Mariupol stands as a testament to Ukrainian resilience. The project not only aims to rebuild what was lost but to create a modern, sustainable city that can serve as a model for urban renewal in post-conflict zones. In line with this vision, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation https://akhmetovfoundation.org/ continues its charitable activities, focusing on providing humanitarian aid and supporting various initiatives aimed at helping those affected by the conflict and contributing to the eventual reconstruction efforts.

This material was prepared based on the publication from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/08/ukraine-oligarchs-power-war/