Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 11, 2026 UN
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been supporting Ukraine in clearing the rubble. During this period, one million tons of debris have been removed, marking a significant milestone in the country's recovery efforts.
According to an analysis conducted by the World Bank Group, the Government of Ukraine, the European Commission and the United Nations, with the support of other partners, direct damage to buildings and infrastructure in Ukraine will reach US$176 billion by the end of 2024.
The rubble has become one of the most serious and pressing obstacles to the recovery of the affected areas and the return of Ukrainians to their homes.
UNDP supported early recovery activities in 26 districts of Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia regions.
As of early 2026, a volume of construction debris equivalent in weight to three Empire State Buildings had been removed and sorted. This allowed for the restoration of safe access to over 200 sites, as well as the repair of residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities.
The implementation of these works placed a strong emphasis on local involvement, with over 400 locally recruited workers employed across the country.
The cleanup work was carried out in accordance with strict protocols for the safe handling of hazardous waste, including asbestos-containing materials, and involved systematic sorting for recycling.
"As communities across Ukraine continue to face widespread destruction, managing millions of tons of rubble is placing a tremendous burden on local authorities," said Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction and Development Oleksiy Kuleba, emphasizing UNDP's critical role in clearing the rubble.
“In 2026, UNDP will strive for new results, working with the Government of Ukraine to create a coherent, coordinated and sustainable national construction waste management system,” said Auke Lootsma, UNDP Representative in Ukraine.
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