Estonia is contributing 1.9 million euros to the Zhytomyr region in Western Ukraine to rebuild public infrastructure and support women and children suffering from the war. Guided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the rebuilding efforts are organised and implemented by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV).
Last week, ESTDEV visited the Zhytomyr region to kick off the Ukrainian – Estonian cooperation program to support the people of Ukraine in post-war reconstruction.
Since the beginning of the war, the Zhytomyr region has been hit by a total of at least 89 missile attacks targeting military facilities, critical infrastructure, and residential and industrial buildings. Nearly 2,000 objects have been destroyed, and many more have been damaged.
Local authorities have prepared a list of 15 vital infrastructure objects, which need an immediate restoration to ensure a continuity of everyday life for the people of the region. Work is currently underway to assess the extent of the damage and the cost of restoration.
“The bravery and resilience of Ukrainians deserve our deepest respect. While the country is battling unprovoked, unjust and senseless Russian aggression, some regions like Zhytomyr are already rebuilding and investing in future economic cooperation,” Kadri Maasik, Executive Director of ESTDEV, said after visiting the region. “Estonia’s contribution to Ukraine via humanitarian and military aid has been impressive. Now, we would like to offer Ukrainians long-term cooperation opportunities to help rebuild the country.”
ESTDEV is partnering with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, and Enterprise Estonia and KredEx to foster a meaningful and beneficial cooperation between the Estonian public and business sectors, and other donor countries.
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Estonian Centre for International Development is a government foundation that manages and implements Estonia’s participation in international development cooperation and humanitarian aid projects, with the aim of increasing Estonia’s contribution to global security and sustainable development.
