As we mark two years since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine, UNOPS reiterates our commitment to address the most urgent needs in affected communities, while helping lay the foundations for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future in Ukraine.

Two years of fighting have resulted in unimaginable human suffering and far-reaching economic consequences. Thousands of civilians have been killed and injured. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, and the war has caused significant damage to the country’s critical infrastructure, which will take years to rebuild. As of December 2023, the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine over the next decade is estimated to cost $486 billion - a surge of $75 billion from the previous year. To put this into perspective, $75 billion was nearly half of the country's gross domestic product in 2022. The direct damage to the country stands at almost $152 billion, with housing, transport, commerce and industry, energy, and agriculture as the most affected sectors.

Against this background, UNOPS has worked in multiple sectors and regions with a focus on responding to immediate humanitarian and early recovery needs. We have done so working closely with the UN family, Ukraine’s national and municipal governments, and other local and international partners – including the European Union, the governments of Denmark and Japan, and the World Bank.

In the early stages of the war, we supported winterization efforts through the delivery of up to 1,000 generators to hospitals and other critical infrastructure facilities across the country, along with modular boiler houses and other equipment to ensure the uninterrupted provision of energy and heating.

We provided immediate support following the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam. We have contributed to the development of the two latest Rapid Damage Needs Assessments supported the country's green energy transition.

We are now working on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure to revive communities. By rehabilitating whole settlements, including damaged houses, schools, hospitals, and supporting local businesses, we aid efforts to rebuild communities across Ukraine. These are immediate responses as we transition to the longer term solutions that UNOPS is incredibly well placed to support.

Backed by the European Union, we are refurbishing over 70 schools to ensure children can go back to school in a safe environment. Along with the construction repairs, we have equipped several schools with furniture and supplies so students can return to a face to face education.

Ukraine is now one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with estimates that more than a third of Ukrainian territory is potentially contaminated with explosive ordnance. UNOPS supports efforts to remove the explosive remnants of war scattered throughout Ukraine, delivering relief to heavily affected communities. These efforts are key: Ukraine’s journey to peace, security and normality depends among other things on effective clearance of explosive hazards.

Two years into this war, UNOPS echoes the UN Secretary-General’s call for just and sustainable peace in line with the UN charter and international law.

We remain committed to supporting the people and the government of Ukraine to respond, recover and build back better, for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for all Ukrainians.