Four Years of Russian Full-Scale Invasion: Helvetas Boosts Reconstruction and Local Economy in Ukraine

On Tuesday, 24 February, marks the fourth anniversary of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The situation in Ukraine remains dire: millions of people are displaced, key infrastructure continues to be attacked, and many communities are suffering from severe economic consequences of the ongoing war. In this context, Helvetas, the Swiss organisation for development cooperation and humanitarian aid, is pushing ahead with reconstruction in collaboration with local partners – strengthening both critical infrastructure and the Ukrainian economy. In a new project supported by the SECO, Helvetas collaborates with the Swiss company Divario to establish ecologically sustainable modular houses for families affected by the war.

"People who have lost their homes cannot wait for the war to end. They need a secure roof over their heads, functioning infrastructure and economic prospects now," says Melchior Lengsfeld, Executive Director of Helvetas.

Overview of Helvetas' Commitment in Ukraine:

Rebuilding Critical Infrastructure

Helvetas has shifted the focus from humanitarian emergency aid to structural reconstruction. Together with Ukrainian partner organisations, over 50,000 people have been supported with shelters, healthcare services, and secure water, electricity, and heating supply. Overall, Helvetas is overseeing 81 projects that repair or build war-damaged infrastructure anew.

New Public-Private Partnership

Helvetas is now working with Divario AG, a Swiss company with a production facility in Ukraine producing modular homes locally and sustainably, within the framework of SECO-supported reconstruction projects in Ukraine. Currently, 330 modular homes are being developed for families who have lost their homes.

With the knowledge gained from on-the-ground work, Helvetas identifies where the demand for housing is greatest and ensures that modular homes benefit those most in need of support. Divario AG combines Swiss expertise with Ukrainian production. "This project not only creates urgently needed living spaces but also sets a precedent for resource-efficient building in Ukraine and creates new jobs," says Thomas Mauget from Helvetas, a Humanitarian Coordination Specialist responsible for Ukraine.

Strengthening Ukrainian SMEs – A Central Pillar

Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the Ukrainian economy. To strengthen their resilience, Helvetas provides micro-grants, supports start-ups, and enables the renovation of damaged businesses. So far, 330 grants have been awarded.

Additional training provides entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to tackle the challenges of a war-affected market. Over the past year, more than 1,800 free consultations have been offered. The services include, for example, legal advice or tax compliance under martial law.

Vocational Training for Particularly Affected Groups

Internally displaced persons, veterans, and people with disabilities often find it difficult to gain employment. Therefore, Helvetas offers, in conjunction with local vocational schools, craft and technical training and further education in professions that are in high demand on the Ukrainian labor market. The programs ensure income and enable social participation.

Humanitarian aid remains central

The need remains great, and the supply is critical in many places. Ukrainian organisations bear the brunt of humanitarian aid, but accessing international funds remains challenging. Helvetas therefore specifically strengthens local actors: financially, organisationally, and through knowledge transfer, so that they can provide support quickly and effectively.

Further information:

Press Contact: Katrin Hafner, Media Officer, 044 368 67 79, katrin.hafner@helvetas.org

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Helvetas / Luzia Tschirky / Photographer: Luzia Tschirky