Piraeus Bank Ukraine

Ukraine Outlook: War, Recovery, and the Road Ahead

An Exclusive Private Briefing & Dinner

Date: 21 May 2026, 18:00 BST

Venue: Six Park Place, St James's St, London SW1A 1LR, UK

The CEO of Piraeus, Mr. Christos Megalou, and the Country Manager of Piraeus for Ukraine, Mr. Yannis Kyriakopoulos, request the pleasure of your company at an Exclusive Private Briefing and Dinner.

As Ukraine remains a central priority for the international community, this gathering will bring together a select group of senior decision-makers for a focused, forward-looking dialogue.

We are honored to welcome three distinguished keynote speakers: Dr. Oleksandr Merezhko, MP and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Interparliamentary Ties Committee of the Ukrainian parliament, Mr. Yegor Grygorenko, Hon. Chairman of Kyiv School of Economics and Advisor of the Prime Minister of Ukraine, and General Sir Rupert Anthony Smith, NATO’s former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Author of The Utility of Force.

Agenda & Details

  1. 18:00

    Registration & Welcome Drinks

  2. 18:30

    Official Opening, Welcome Address

    Christos Megalou, CEO, Piraeus

    Introduction & Moderation Yannis Kyriakopoulos, Country Manager Ukraine, Piraeus

  3. 18:45

    First Course Served

  4. 18:55

    Business & War Outlook

    UBN Team (Andrew Pryma & Mark McNamee)

    Macroeconomic outlook, business environment, and investment update

  5. 19:25

    Second Course Served

  6. 19:35

    Keynote Address

    Dr. Oleksandr Merezhko

    Chairman, Foreign Affairs, and Interparliamentary Relations Committee.
    Member of Parliament, Ukraine

  7. 19:55

    Keynote Address

    Yegor Grygorenko

    Honorary Chairman, Kyiv School of Economics.
    Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ukraine

  8. 20:15

    Third Course Served

  9. 20:25

    Keynote Address

    General Sir Rupert Anthony Smith

    Former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe
    Author, The Utility of Force

  10. 20:45

    Tea & Coffee Served

  11. 20:50

    Moderated Discussion & Audience Q&A

  12. 21:15

    Closing Remarks & Networking

  13. 22:30

    Conclusion of the Event

Rules of Engagement

This briefing is held under the Chatham House Rule to ensure an off-the-record and candid discussion. Accordingly, no members of the press are in attendance.

To maintain this private atmosphere, we kindly ask that no photography or filming take place during the sessions. However, we have arranged a dedicated photo zone with a professional photographer for those who wish to capture a memento of the evening. Please note that photos taken in this area may be used by Piraeus and UBN on their digital platforms for promotional purposes.

Biography of keynote
speakers

Dr. Oleksandr Merezhko

is a distinguished Ukrainian statesman, legal scholar, and the current Chair of the Ukrainian Parliament Committee on Foreign Policy and Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, where he serves as a primary architect of Ukraine’s diplomatic strategy and Euro-Atlantic integration.

As a Member of the Parliament, he has played a pivotal role in aligning Ukrainian legislation with European standards and strengthening ties with the European Parliament and NATO.

His extensive diplomatic experience includes serving as a Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and a leadership role within its Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights.

Before entering politics, Dr. Merezhko built a world-renowned academic career as a professor of international law and legal philosophy, teaching at prestigious institutions such as Penn State Dickinson Law, the University of Denver, and the John Paul II Lublin Catholic University.

The author of over 18 books and 140 scholarly articles, he offers a unique perspective that bridges high-level parliamentary diplomacy with rigorous academic expertise, making him an authoritative voice on the future of Ukraine’s foreign policy and its path toward EU and NATO membership.

Yegor Grygorenko

is a VP for Government Programs at Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), the leading policy think-tank and academic institution in Ukraine. As part of his role, he serves as an advisor to the Prime Minister of Ukraine and leads her Delivery Unit, focusing on providing support in formulating strategic priorities for the government, converting them into actionable initiatives and organizing effective implementation monitoring.

Prior to accepting his current role with the KSE, he spent 18 years in top tier consulting firms, such as Deloitte and Bain, working on strategy and implementation topics both in public and private sector. His consulting experience includes developing strategies for the largest corporate and financial institutions in Ukraine and other European countries, as well as leading major transformation programs in the region.

Before embarking on his consulting career, Yegor also spent 8 years in Citi corporate and investment banking.

General Sir Rupert Smith KCB, DSO & Bar, OBE, QGM

is a preeminent strategic thinker and one of the most operationally experienced British commanders of the modern era, having led major forces in the Gulf War, Bosnia, and Northern Ireland.

As the former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) for NATO and author of the seminal work, The Utility of Force: The Art of War in the Modern World, he famously redefined contemporary conflict as “war amongst the people.” In the context of the current conflict in Ukraine, Sir Rupert provides critical analysis regarding the security frameworks required for lasting peace and the defensive lessons Europe must adopt to bolster regional readiness.

He continues to advise international organizations on geopolitics and security strategy, offering deep insight into the complexities of modern warfare and the strategic challenges posed by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Two Lands, One Spirit A Dialogue of Heritage

Celebrating Cultural Synergy through the Flavours of Greece and Ukraine

by Irini Tzortzoglou and Olia Hercules

The Concept

The menu is more than a culinary collaboration; it is a shared narrative of two ancient lands brought together by a common spirit of resilience. Each course is designed as a dialogue: a dual presentation where the sun-drenched flavours of the Mediterranean meet the fertile soul of the Ukrainian steppe. We invite you to experience this fusion of the olive grove and the wheat field — a testament to the power of unity and heritage

Irini Tzortzoglou

IRINI TZORTZOGLOU

After a 30-year banking career in the City of London, Irini won MasterChef UK 2019. An author and Olive Oil & Honey Sommelier, she is a renowned promoter of Greek cuisine through her books, including Under The Olive Tree.

Olia Hercules

OLIA HERCULES

A celebrated Ukrainian-born cook, author, and activist, Olia is a vital voice for Ukrainian culture in the UK. She is the award-winning author of Mamushka and Summer Kitchens, and her latest work, Strong Roots, tells a powerful story of hope and resilience

Menu

Curated by Irini Tzortzoglou & Olia Hercules

(Dishes are served as pairs to showcase the synergy of both cultures)

First Course

Ukrainian:

Delicate Spring Borsch with peas and asparagus – sourdough bread

Greek:

Prawn Saganaki – pita bread

Main Course

Ukrainian:

Stuffed vegetarian peppers (with mushroom koji) with tomato and kefir sauce

Greek:

Slow-cooked lamb and potatoes with oregano, lemon and garlic

Dessert

Ukrainian:

Pistachio Napoleon

Greek:

Portokalopita with candied orange