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Overview

Entering into the third year of war, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a tragedy with far-reaching human and economic impacts.  This invasion has caused staggering losses to Ukraine’s people and economy, setting back 15 years of development gains and increasing poverty.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also had devastating repercussions for the global economy, which is struggling in the face of steep interest rates, record-high debt levels, and a climate of escalating fragility and conflict.

Ukraine Remains Resilient

The government and the people of Ukraine continue to  show remarkable resilience in the face of devastation.

Ukraine’s economy grew by an estimated 4.8 percent in 2023, following the preceding year’s steep contraction, thanks to improved electricity access, a better harvest, and additional government spending.

Despite the war, Ukrainians are sending kids to school, keeping businesses running, and providing critical health services.  According to World Bank surveys (see Listening to People survey and Business survey) as well as data from the Third Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA3):

  • Social support to vulnerable households remains essential. Pensions (covering those in old-age poverty or who are vulnerable) and social assistance make up more than 70% of household income for the poorest 40% of people. 90% or more people receive social payments with no disruption in accessing the payment.
  • Schools remain open. Education continues for children aged 6-18 through in-person, remote or blended learning, including in the regions under hostilities.
  • Health clinics remain open. Nine out of 10 people say community health clinics remain open, including 8 out of 10 people in the regions under hostilities.
  • Companies are adapting by adjusting their product mix, embracing ITC use or relocating internally. International firms remain committed to working in Ukraine.
  • In the last year (2023) the Government of Ukraine, with the support of its partners, has met some of the most urgent needs, according to government data. For example:
    • $1 billion was disbursed toward housing sector, with most being dedicated to the repair and reconstruction of damaged buildings.
    • More than 2,000km of emergency repairs were made on motorways, highways, and other national roads.
    • Local authorities rebuilt approximately 500 educational institutions and the share of educational institutions with bomb shelters has increased from 68% to 80%.

Ukraine’s Needs

As the war drags on, the road to recovery is long.. Donor support so far has been impressive as development partners continue to pull together to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, but Ukraine’s current and future financing needs are immense.  Private sector investment and reforms that improve the investment climate will be critical.

The Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA3), released in February 2024, estimates that the cost of reconstruction and recovery stands at $486 billion over the next decade, and combines both needs for public and private funds. The highest estimated needs are in housing, transport, , commerce and industry, agriculture, energy, social protection and livelihoods, and explosive hazard management. 

Ukraine's Needs in Numbers

  • 17% housing
  • 15% transport
  • 14% commerce and industry
  • 12% agriculture  
  • 10% energy 
  • 9% social protection and livelihoods
  • 7% explosive hazard management

Reforms and policies that catalyze private sector investment and ensure an inclusive and green recovery, as well as integrating priority setting and project planning into the medium-term budget planning process, are critical to Ukraine’s successful recovery.

Ukraine is taking much more ownership of its own future and is pursuing reforms to grow the economy, attract private sector investment, and increase tax revenues.

Last Updated: Feb 23, 2024

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(380 44) 490-6671
5, Alla Tarasova Street, 2nd Floor, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01001