Why Ukraine’s Recovery Must Begin During the War

Parallel recovery strengthens Ukraine’s economy, the spirit of its people, and the world’s confidence in its future.

War is always destruction, but it can also serve as a catalyst for new development. For Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian aggression for many years, the issue of recovery cannot be postponed “until later.” Reconstruction must begin during the war – not only in the form of patching up infrastructure after shelling but as a systemic policy of economic revival. This creates two immediate effects: it enhances the state’s resilience in the war itself and strengthens society’s belief that a future is possible despite the daily challenges of the front.

Recovery Is a Critical Factor in Economic Resilience

When Russian missiles destroy energy facilities, bridges, or enterprises, Ukraine is forced to restore their operations swiftly. This is not just a matter of humanitarian needs but also of economic logic: every restored thermal power plant or road means taxes, jobs, and domestic investment. According to World Bank estimates, by early 2025, war-related damages exceeded $524 billion, with over 40% attributed to housing and infrastructure. If these ruins are left until the end of hostilities, the economy simply will not withstand the burden.

Parallel recovery helps avoid the “void” effect in regions where the lack of jobs and prospects could lead to social depression and mass migration. In other words, rebuilding now is an element of defending the home front.

Recovery Projects Are Already Underway

Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine is already implementing large-scale reconstruction projects. Between 2023 and 2025, over 3,000 social and critical infrastructure facilities were restored through the state “eRecovery” fund and donor programs. This includes not only repairs to schools or hospitals but also the reconstruction of bridges in the Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv regions that were destroyed during the occupation.

In frontline regions, energy facilities are being restored: during the winter of 2024/25 alone, over 2 GW of generating capacity was recovered. The first “green” projects have been launched – solar power plants in the Zhytomyr and Mykolaiv regions, funded in partnership with the EBRD. In western Ukraine, programs to modernize railway hubs have begun, integrating Ukrainian logistics with the EU’s TEN-T system. This demonstrates that reconstruction is not waiting for the war’s end but is already laying the foundation for the economy of the future.

Recovery as a Psychological Investment in Victory and a Geopolitical Signal

For people living in a country under daily attacks, seeing a new school, hospital, or residential building is a sign that life goes on and a future is possible. This is not just construction but a symbol that Ukraine will endure. The experience of wartime conflicts shows that where reconstruction began before the end of hostilities, populations maintained higher levels of trust in authorities and were less prone to pessimism.

Belief in victory is not an abstract concept. It directly impacts people’s willingness to work, fight, and pay taxes. When society sees that the state and its partners are already investing in its future, it is more prepared to endure the losses of the present.

Starting reconstruction during the war is also a political message to the world. Investors entering Ukraine today signal their belief in its future. This is an argument for allies: supporting Kyiv is not just an expense but an investment in the stability of the European continent. At the same time, it is a blow to the Kremlin, which seeks to portray Ukraine as a “failed state.” Every restored bridge or factory refutes this narrative.

The EU and international financial institutions are already launching programs to fund Ukraine’s recovery, worth tens of billions of euros. The only question is whether these resources will be used in parallel with the war or left to wait for a peace that Moscow does not want.

Ukraine’s Partners Take on “Patronage” Responsibility for Regions

A unique format has emerged where partner countries take on “patronage” for specific regions or cities in Ukraine. The United Kingdom is responsible for the recovery of the Kyiv region, funding the reconstruction of bridges over the Irpin River and schools in Bucha. Denmark has taken a special responsibility for Mykolaiv and its region, where projects to modernize port infrastructure and restore water supply systems are already underway. Latvia oversees the reconstruction of the Chernihiv region, providing construction materials and equipment to local communities. Estonia is actively working in the Zhytomyr region, restoring kindergartens and hospitals. France has joined the recovery efforts in Chernihiv, and Germany in Kharkiv.

This system not only distributes responsibility but also sends a political signal: no region of Ukraine is left without support. This is further proof that global democracies believe in Ukraine’s victory and are ready to invest in its restored future now.

Victory Is Measured not Only by the Front but Also by the Future

Ukraine’s reconstruction must begin today because it strengthens the economy, supports the morale of the people, and sends a signal to the world about the irreversibility of our course. Parallel reconstruction is not a diversion of resources from the war but another front on which the country’s fate is decided. For true victory is not only about liberated territories but also a restored state where people want to live.

Bohdan Popov, Head of Digital at the United Ukraine Think Tank, communications specialist and public figure