Ukraine’s recovery from Russia’s invasion now requires $588 billion, a sum nearly triple its GDP, driven by relentless attacks on energy and housing.
KYIV: Ukraine requires a staggering $588 billion to rebuild from the devastation wrought by Russia’s four-year invasion, according to a new joint assessment.
This colossal sum, equivalent to almost three times the country’s 2025 gross domestic product, represents a 12% increase from the estimate provided just a year ago.
The updated figure reflects the severe impact of a winter campaign of devastating Russian attacks that targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure, leaving millions without power and heating.
The report, published jointly by the World Bank, the Ukrainian government, the United Nations and the European Commission, states that “recovery and reconstruction needs continue to grow and are now estimated at US$587.7 billion over a 10 year horizon.”
Four years of conflict have crippled Ukraine’s economy, reduced cities to rubble and forced millions from their homes.
While Western allies have pledged hundreds of billions in aid since the 2022 invasion, Kyiv directs most of these funds towards the ongoing war effort and basic economic survival.
The needs assessment, calculated based on damage up to December 31, 2025, has been exacerbated by subsequent Russian strikes that have completely destroyed some power plants.
More than one in seven Ukrainian homes have been damaged or destroyed by the war.
The transport sector faces the highest reconstruction cost at an estimated $96 billion, followed closely by the energy and housing sectors, each requiring around $90 billion.
A further $28 billion is needed for clearing debris and nationwide de-mining operations.
The frontline Donetsk and Kharkiv regions will require the most investment, while the capital Kyiv faces a recovery bill exceeding $15 billion.
Data from the Germany-based Kiel Institute shows Ukraine’s Western allies have allocated over $400 billion in financial, military and humanitarian assistance since the invasion began.
A planned European Union loan of 90 billion euros ($106 billion), announced in January, will be primarily used to cover military expenses, with the remainder allocated for general budget support.
The Sun Malaysia
