Over 8,000 buildings destroyed or damaged in Kharkiv, but reconstruction planning must begin now – Terekhov

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said this in comments to an Ukrinform correspondent during the Third Ukraine Resilience Business Forum in Luxembourg.

"We understand that the war will end, and it is crucial to be fully prepared. A lot needs to be done to bring people back. That's why our primary focus right now is energy infrastructure. It's the most pressing issue for Kharkiv. We understand perfectly well that without energy, there will be no life. Since 2022, we've made significant progress. I'm here to share our experience, as we managed to get through the winter relatively well despite severe challenges," Terekhov said, adding that the city's energy system continues to function despite daily shelling.

According to Terekhov, international partners have played a crucial role in keeping Kharkiv's energy infrastructure running, and collaboration on future projects is essential.

"I will be meeting with the Vice President of the European Investment Bank, and this is very important for us. We have a portfolio of projects already being implemented despite the war, including metro construction, purchasing new rolling stock, and acquiring electric buses. But my main goal is to secure funding for housing reconstruction," Terekhov said.

He stressed that Ukraine and Germany have launched a municipal housing program, but additional legislative adjustments at the parliamentary level are needed to move forward.

"We are working with the German government and our partners in Nuremberg to develop a municipal housing program. Some legal amendments still need to be passed by the Verkhovna Rada, but this initiative will allow us to independently construct housing and provide it to residents," the mayor said.

Terekhov said that German architects, including the Norman Foster Foundation, are developing Kharkiv's master plan. While large-scale reconstruction and investment will take place after the war, laying the groundwork must start now.

"We understand that, under constant shelling, major investors won't come to Kharkiv immediately. But now is the time to build the foundation for the future. Investors are already interested -- they want to see our plans, discuss opportunities, and establish initial contacts before committing funds," he added.

Many Western investors are currently assisting Kharkiv with urgent needs, such as replacing windows in damaged buildings.

"Every major strike destroys at least a thousand windows. As of today, 8,200 buildings in Kharkiv have been damaged or destroyed -- residential, office, and private properties. Just think how many windows need replacing. We are working with international foundations and businesses to address this immediate need," Terekhov said.

Photo credit: Kateryna Mostova