Over more than a decade, Puerto Rico has suffered from a recession, outmigration, hurricanes, earthquake swarms and the pandemic, but the people of Puerto Rico are resilient and strong. So here we all are today discussing the platform from which Puerto Rico’s recovery and renewal will take place. I am proud to have been a part of building that new platform, and I urge you all to become a part of this new chapter in Puerto Rico’s economic history.

But I have an opportunity today to speak with you about another place very close to my heart that exhibits remarkable resilience and strength – my home and the land of my ancestry – Ukraine.  All of you know, have seen and read about the horrific war russia has inflicted since February 24 on the Ukrainian people. What I would like to tell you today is why this is important to you, to the broader world, to the future of the world in which our children and grandchildren will live.