Ukrainian government outlines plan to create conditions for citizens’ return home
The Ukrainian government and relevant ministries are focusing on both quickly restoring areas destroyed by Russian attacks and implementing long-term reconstruction programs to create conditions for Ukrainians to return home.
This was stated in a comment to Ukrinform by Artem Rybchenko, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development.
“As a state, we must ensure and guarantee the safety of the population. Our main priority is for Ukrainians to return home,” he said.
Rybchenko noted that this primarily requires housing, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure. Consequently, there are two tracks for reconstruction: urgent needs (immediate repairs following attacks) and long-term, comprehensive programs.
Among the major projects, he mentioned Borodianka in Kyiv region, which suffered significant destruction in spring 2022. Today, according to Rybchenko, it is a very different town compared to four years ago.
The deputy minister also highlighted that the financial needs for reconstruction are increasing daily. Updated figures will be released in January during RNDА 5.
Currently, 13–15% of the housing stock has been destroyed either partially or completely. More than 2.5 million Ukrainians require new homes or repairs to damaged housing.
Rybchenko reminded of government-supported programs such as “eVidnovlennia” and “eOselia”, as well as the DREAM platform, where citizens can submit information and receive priority assistance.
“Of course, the state budget is primarily focused on national security and defense, on social needs, and on obligations to the population. The state provides maximum support and strives to find effective, rapid mechanisms for assistance,” he emphasized.
He also stressed the importance of international partners, various funds and programs, low-interest loans, and other measures that support reconstruction, allowing citizens to return home with the necessary living conditions.
Various ministries and agencies are coordinating these efforts.
Germany remains one of the leading foreign partners in this support. Updated information on needs and progress was shared with German partners during the 8th German-Ukrainian Business Forum in Berlin on December 15, as well as during two conferences in Berlin on December 16 focused on reconstruction and business development in Ukraine. The Ministry of Communities and Territories Development also held negotiations with colleagues from Germany’s Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation, led by Minister Reem Alabali Radovan.
At the beginning of winter, energy infrastructure remains a top priority, Rybchenko noted. Germany is the largest donor to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund (UESF) for repairing energy infrastructure. (Chancellor Merz has stated that Germany will provide €170 million for energy sector recovery – ed.)
Rybchenko added that the ministry collects updated information from the regions and forwards lists of needs to foreign partners.
“Sometimes there are ‘counter-proposals,’ because not every country has all the resources we need. We reach a consensus on what can be provided quickly,” the deputy minister explained.
As reported, the German-Ukrainian Business Forum was held in Berlin on December 15 with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Around 500 participants attended, including representatives of Ukrainian ministries and agencies, with the majority being German business leaders.