The $524 billion estimate reflects the growing needs caused by Russia’s relentless bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure as the war enters its fourth year.
The estimated cost of rebuilding Ukraine has surged to over half a trillion US dollars, according to a new report.
\
The study, released on Tuesday by the World Bank, United Nations, European Commission (EC), and Ukrainian government, predicts that the cost of reconstruction and economic recovery has now reached $524 billion. This figure is nearly three times Ukraine’s anticipated economic output for 2024.
\
The latest estimate represents a 7 percent increase from the previous report by these institutions, which estimated the cost at $486 billion a year ago.
\
The data, covering damages from the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, to December 31, 2024, quantifies the direct physical damage to buildings and infrastructure, the impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, and the cost of “building back better,” the institutions stated in a joint press release.
\
Housing, transport, energy, commerce, and education have been the most severely affected sectors. Notably, damages to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure due to Russian attacks have increased by 70 percent.
\
Approximately 13 percent of Ukraine’s total housing stock has been damaged or destroyed, affecting more than 2.5 million households.
\
The housing sector accounts for about $84 billion of the total long-term needs, followed by transport at nearly $78 billion, energy and mining at close to $68 billion, commerce and industry at over $64 billion, and agriculture, which requires $55 billion.
\
Debris clearance and management alone are estimated to cost almost $13 billion, the report noted.
\
The estimate excludes over $13 billion in needs across eight sectors that have already been addressed by Ukraine through its state budget and donor funds.
\
EC Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasized that “the assessment highlights the extraordinary damage Russia has inflicted on Ukraine” and stressed the importance of integrating Ukraine’s economy more deeply into the EU single market to aid recovery.
\
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal acknowledged that “recovery needs have continued to grow due to Russia’s ongoing attacks,” adding that his government would prioritize rebuilding and repairing energy infrastructure and housing.
\
Daily Air Attacks
\
On Monday, Ukraine marked three years of full-scale war with Russia, with both countries now engaging in nearly daily drone and missile strikes, many of which target critical infrastructure.
\
Early Tuesday, air raid alarms sounded across Ukraine as the air force warned of a significant wave of missile attacks.
\
The Ukrainian military reported that Russia launched seven missiles and 213 drones overnight. The air force claimed to have shot down six missiles and 133 drones, while an additional 79 drones failed to reach their targets, likely due to electronic warfare.
\
A 44-year-old woman was injured, and several houses were damaged in the Kyiv region, according to Governor Mykola Kalashnyk.
\
Amid the onslaught, neighboring Poland—a NATO member and base for allied military aircraft—announced it had scrambled jets to ensure its security.
\
Russia’s Ministry of Defence stated that its air defense units intercepted and destroyed 19 Ukrainian drones overnight.
\
Stay updated with the latest news by visiting ZTC News and ZNews Today for comprehensive coverage and insights.