This was reported by Alona Shkrum, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine.

According to her, the 27.5 million euro grant agreement with Italy will be part of a larger aid package aimed at restoring cultural landmarks specifically in Odessa.

The list of objects to be rejuvenated includes:

• Odessa Philharmonic (formerly the New Exchange);
• Odessa National Art Museum (Pototsky Palace);
• Museum of Western and Eastern Art (Abazi Palace);
• Odessa Literary Museum.

The ministry emphasizes that this is not only about preserving architectural heritage but also about promoting tourism and creating accessible public spaces of European quality.

The signing of the agreement is planned at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025, which will take place in June in Rome.

Alona Shkrum stated that the preparation of this document took over four months and involved numerous intergovernmental approvals.

Additionally, as part of cooperation with Italy, the following are also planned:

• loan for the construction of a new children's hospital building in Odessa,
• grant for the reconstruction of irrigation systems in the region.

These initiatives are part of a joint memorandum between Ukraine and Italy aimed at the recovery of the Odessa region.