Italy, Ukraine sign agreement to rebuild Odesa children's hospital – embassy

17:25, 05.12.2025 2 min read

More than 200 people, including representatives of Ukrainian institutions, international organizations, NGOs, the diplomatic corps and local partners, took part in an event capped by the signing of an agreement to restore the Odesa Children’s Hospital. The agreement was signed by Italy’s ambassador, Carlo Formosa, and Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration, Oleksiy Kuleba in Kyiv.

The Italian embassy told Interfax-Ukraine that formalizing the commitment attended by the head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleh Kiper, will allow construction of a new, modern pediatric complex with an additional 260 beds. The facility is expected to provide medical care to children in the region and become a leading center for southern Ukraine.

The event – Italian Cooperation Day in Ukraine – was held for the first time and highlighted Italy’s role in reconstruction and humanitarian support for Ukraine. The program also outlined Italy’s patronage activities in Odesa, covering more than EUR 93 million for projects in health care, rural development and cultural heritage preservation, plus EUR 45 million allocated to humanitarian projects under the Second Emergency Initiative implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

"The new Odesa Children’s Hospital is an investment in Ukraine’s future generations, those most unfairly affected by this terrible war. Even in the darkest moments, we choose to put children, life and the future at the center. Italy will continue to support Ukraine today and for as long as necessary, including through concrete acts of solidarity and hope," Ambassador Carlo Formosa said.