Про Запорізьку область

I. Information about the region before the full-scale invasion:

Zaporizhzhia Regionhas always been one of the main centers of economic, industrial-technological, and intellectual development in Ukraine. Over the years, the region has built up a strong and productive image, considered a valuable resource for the comprehensive development of the region and the country.

This image consisted of many elements that, in harmonious combination, constituted the competitive advantages enabling the region to occupy leading positions among other regions of Ukraine. The territory of the Region covers 27.2 thousand square kilometers, which is 4.5 percent of Ukraine's territory (ninth place among the regions of Ukraine). As of January 1, 2022, the population of the Region was 1,638.5 thousand people (4 percent of Ukraine's population, ninth place among the regions). Unfortunately, today, nearly 70 percent of the region's territory (588 settlements, with up to 600 thousand people residing in them, or 40 percent of the oblast's population) is temporarily occupied.

Zaporizhzhia Region has always had a favorable economic-geographical position and developed logistic-transport infrastructure. It is located in the southeastern part of Ukraine, with its southern borders washed by the waters of the Azov Sea, whose coastline is over 300 kilometers long. The Dnipro River is the main artery of river navigation in Ukraine. And the Kakhovka Lock was the last Dnieper lock releasing all vessels towards the open sea. Unfortunately, due to the occupation of part of the territory by the Russian Federation and its ecocide, as well as the undermining of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam, the waterway leading to the sea was lost, with catastrophic consequences for the restoration of navigation on the Dnipro River. The rapid flooding of territories destroyed and disabled the infrastructure of ports and terminals located in the region, and many vessels sank.

The transport complex is one of the most important components of the production and social infrastructure of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, including railway, road, aviation, river, and urban ground electric transport. There are two airports in the region: in Zaporizhzhia and Berdiansk. The area of the terminal of the international airport "Zaporizhzhia" is over 4.8 thousand square meters. In pre-war times, flights from Zaporizhzhia Airport were operated to both domestic destinations and cities in Europe and Asia: Istanbul, Vienna, Wroclaw, Sharm El Sheikh, Antalya, Hurghada, and others. The railway network connected all major industrial centers of the region with cities in Ukraine and European countries.

The main railway junctions of Zaporizhzhia Region are the city of Zaporizhzhia, the city of Melitopol, and the city of Berdiansk. Before the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation, 67 stations and junctions operated in the territory of the Region(currently 21), including the Zaporizhzhia I and Zaporizhzhia II railway stations. The total length of railway tracks in the region was 1043 kilometers (currently, 435.1 kilometers are under Ukrainian control). The river port (in Zaporizhzhia city) and the seaport (in Berdiansk city) had strategic significance for the region. Berdiansk port is one of the two Azov Sea ports in Ukraine. It is a highly mechanized transport enterprise and a strategic object at both the state and regional levels. It had a significant impact on the socio-economic development of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The working area of the Berdiansk port covered an area of approximately 275 thousand square meters, with nine trading berths and one berth for fishing vessels. The port could accommodate ships with a draft of up to eight meters and a length of up to 205 meters. Before the occupation, ships flying the flags of Great Britain, Panama, Malta, Germany, Japan, Cyprus, Lebanon, Bulgaria, Greece, China, Turkey, and Italy visited the seaport. Among the shipping directions were Turkey, Italy, and Egypt. The Zaporizhzhia river port transported goods abroad and provided cabotage to the city of Odesa.

Additionally, three grain transshipment terminals and complexes for receiving, storing, and shipping grain and oilseeds of the NIBULON joint venture operated successfully in the region: "Kamianka-Dniprovska" (capacity 75.6 thousand tons), "Khortytsia" (77.8 thousand tons), and "Ternivska" (75.0 thousand tons).

All of this created favorable conditions and allowed for the effective combination of internal and external commodity and resource flows, as well as the development of the tourism and recreation sector. Zaporizhzhia Region is one of the most developed industrial regions of Ukraine. The industrial potential of the region includes 2,281 enterprises (247 of which are large and medium-sized, 1508 small and medium-sized, and 526 are private entrepreneurs).

The main branches of the industry are metallurgy, machine building, electric power, chemical, fuel, and others. The Dniproges Hydroelectric Power Plant is a crucial object of the energy complex of Ukraine. It has a generating capacity of 1,388.4 MW, a water level of 20.2 square kilometers, and a basin volume of 2.5 cubic kilometers. The Dniproges HPP was one of the main generating sources of electricity for Ukraine, with 10 power units (550 MW) located at the Dnipro Cascade of HPPs. After the occupation, all power units (including one underground power unit) were destroyed, with only the turbines of hydraulic units and the dam remaining. On November 17, 2023, due to the military actions of the Russian Federation, the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam was undermined, causing flooding and destruction in the lower reaches of the Dnipro River and catastrophic consequences for the region's population, economy, and infrastructure.

The chemical industry, whose enterprises produced liquid and solid chlorine, nitrogen fertilizers, polyethylene, and polypropylene, was significant for Zaporizhzhia Oblast. PJSC "Zaporizhzhia Titanium and Magnesium Combine" is the only enterprise in Ukraine and one of the largest in Europe for the production of titanium sponge and titanium products. The main types of products are titanium sponge, ingots, slabs, and products from titanium alloys. The enterprise is a reliable supplier of titanium products to the domestic and foreign markets. PJSC "Zaporizhstal" is the only enterprise in Ukraine with a full metallurgical cycle of production of high-quality rolled steel, pipe products, and reinforcing bars.

The main product range includes: ingots, slabs, hot-rolled coils, cold-rolled coils, hot-rolled sheets, cold-rolled sheets, galvanized sheets, prepainted sheets, and rolled wire. The enterprise also produces a wide range of seamless pipes and pipe products of general and special-purpose types, including welded pipes and profiles, designed for various industries and fields of application. The enterprise is a leader in the production of pipe products and one of the largest taxpayers in Ukraine.

The agro-industrial complex is one of the leading sectors of the economy of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The area of agricultural land is 2.5 million hectares, of which 2.1 million hectares are arable land, 0.1 million hectares are hayfields, and 0.3 million hectares are pastures. The main branches of the agro-industrial complex are crop production, animal husbandry, poultry farming, fish farming, and others.

The main types of crops are grains, oilseeds, legumes, vegetables, melons, gourds, potatoes, fruits, berries, and grapes. The leading crops are wheat, barley, corn, sunflower, soybean, sugar beet, rapeseed, millet, buckwheat, peas, beans, lentils, rice, and others. The main types of animal husbandry are cattle breeding, pig breeding, sheep breeding, goat breeding, horse breeding, poultry farming, and fish farming. The main types of livestock and poultry are cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, quails, and others.

The main types of fish and aquatic organisms are carp, silver carp, grass carp, pike-perch, catfish, pike, crucian carp, carp, bream, whitefish, sturgeon, and others. The territory of the region is rich in natural resources, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, minerals, ores, coal, oil, gas, peat, chalk, clay, limestone, sand, gravel, granite, marble, and others.

The main types of ferrous metals are iron ore, manganese ore, chromite ore, nickel ore, copper ore, lead ore, zinc ore, gold ore, silver ore, platinum ore, and others. The main types of non-ferrous metals are aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, titanium, magnesium, gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and others. The main types of minerals and ores are iron, manganese, chromite, nickel, copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, platinum, coal, oil, gas, peat, chalk, clay, limestone, sand, gravel, granite, marble, and others.

The region has a developed network of natural reserves, natural parks, protected areas, forest parks, wildlife sanctuaries, hunting grounds, fish farms, and others. The natural reserves and natural parks are the territory of special environmental, scientific, aesthetic, cultural, educational, recreational, and tourist significance. The Zaporizhzhia RegionLocal State Administration, headed by the Chairman, ensures the implementation of state policy in the Region and the exercise of executive powers by the central executive authorities in the oblast.

The main areas of activity of the Zaporizhzhia Region State Administration are the implementation of state policy in the field of regional development, economic development, social development, cultural development, educational development, environmental development, tourism development, and others. The administration is the body of the executive power that organizes and ensures the implementation of state policy in the Region in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine, the laws of Ukraine, acts of the President of Ukraine, acts of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, acts of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, acts of the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing of Ukraine, and acts of other central executive authorities.

The Zaporizhzhia Region State Administration is a structural unit of the central executive authority, which carries out state policy in the field of regional development, economic development, social development, cultural development, educational development, environmental development, tourism development, and others. The administration is headed by the Chairman, who is appointed and dismissed by the President of Ukraine, with the consent of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, for a term of office of five years. The Chairman of the Zaporizhzhia Region State Administration is the President's representative in the oblast, who is responsible for the implementation of state policy in the Regionand the exercise of executive powers by the central executive authorities in the oblast.

The administration consists of structural subdivisions, territorial subdivisions, and representative offices, which are created and abolished by the Chairman of the Administration within the limits of his authority. The main tasks of the Zaporizhzhia Region State Administration are the implementation of state policy in the oblast, the exercise of executive powers by the central executive authorities in the oblast, the implementation of national programs and projects in the oblast, the provision of administrative services to the population and legal entities, the implementation of state control and supervision in the oblast, the implementation of measures to ensure the national security and defense of Ukraine, the implementation of measures to ensure public order and public safety in the oblast, the implementation of measures to ensure social protection and social support of the population in the oblast, the implementation of measures to ensure environmental protection and environmental safety in the oblast, the implementation of measures to ensure the development of culture, education, science, health, physical culture, sports, youth policy, tourism, and others in the oblast.

The Zaporizhzhia Region State Administration implements state policy in the Region in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine, the laws of Ukraine, acts of the President of Ukraine, acts of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, acts of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, acts of the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing of Ukraine, and acts of other central executive authorities.

The administration ensures the protection of the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of citizens and legal entities, the observance of the Constitution of Ukraine, the laws of Ukraine, and acts of the central executive authorities, the provision of legal guarantees and social protection, and the prevention and elimination of threats to national security and defense. The administration interacts with local self-government bodies, public associations, political parties, trade unions, religious organizations, diplomatic missions and consular offices of foreign states, international organizations, and others.

The administration provides information, advisory, organizational, legal, financial, material, technical, information, logistical, and other types of support to local self-government bodies, public associations, political parties, trade unions, religious organizations, diplomatic missions and consular offices of foreign states, international organizations, and others. The administration cooperates with international organizations, donor countries, and other partners in order to attract investment, grants, technical assistance, and other resources for the implementation of state policy in the oblast.

The administration provides assistance and support to citizens and legal entities in exercising their rights and fulfilling their obligations, resolving conflicts, protecting their legitimate interests, and ensuring their legal protection. The administration provides assistance and support to citizens and legal entities in the field of public administration, administrative services, legal assistance, social protection, social support, environmental protection, environmental safety, culture, education, science, health, physical culture, sports, youth policy, tourism, and others.

The Zaporizhzhia Region State Administration is responsible for the implementation of state policy in the Region and the exercise of executive powers by the central executive authorities in the oblast. The administration is accountable to the President of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing of Ukraine, and other central executive authorities. The administration submits reports, plans, programs, and other documents to the President of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing of Ukraine, and other central executive authorities in accordance with the established procedure. The administration takes measures to ensure the implementation of decisions, decrees, orders, instructions, and other acts of the President of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing of Ukraine, and other central executive authorities.

The administration takes measures to ensure the implementation of international treaties and agreements concluded by Ukraine, the fulfillment of obligations arising from membership in international organizations, and the observance of international law. The administration ensures the implementation of measures to ensure public order and public safety in the oblast, the protection of public order, the prevention and detection of crimes, the protection of public property, the protection of the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of citizens and legal entities, the provision of administrative services to the population and legal entities, the implementation of state control and supervision in the oblast, the implementation of measures to ensure environmental protection and environmental safety in the oblast, the implementation of measures to ensure the development of culture, education, science, health, physical culture, sports, youth policy, tourism, and others in the oblast.

The administration coordinates the activities of the executive bodies of local self-government, public authorities, public associations, political parties, trade unions, religious organizations, diplomatic missions and consular offices of foreign states, international organizations, and others in the oblast.

The administration interacts with the territorial bodies of central executive authorities, territorial bodies of local self-government, law enforcement agencies, security agencies, judicial authorities, and other bodies and organizations. The administration ensures the implementation of state policy in the Region and the exercise of executive powers by the central executive authorities in the Region in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine, the laws of Ukraine, acts of the President of Ukraine, acts of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, acts of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, acts of the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing of Ukraine, and acts of other central executive authorities. The administration takes measures to ensure the implementation of decisions, decrees, orders, instructions, and other acts of the President of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing of Ukraine, and other central executive authorities. The administration takes measures to ensure the implementation of international treaties and agreements concluded by Ukraine, the fulfillment of obligations arising from membership in international organizations, and the observance of international law. The administration ensures the implementation of measures to ensure public order and public safety in the oblast, the protection of public order, the prevention and detection of crimes, the protection of public property, the protection of the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of citizens and legal entities, the provision of administrative services to the population and legal entities, the implementation of state control and supervision in the oblast, the implementation of measures to ensure environmental protection and environmental safety in the oblast, the implementation of measures to ensure the development of culture, education, science, health, physical culture, sports, youth policy, tourism, and others in the oblast.

The administration coordinates the activities of the executive bodies of local self-government, public authorities, public associations, political parties, trade unions, religious organizations, diplomatic missions and consular offices of foreign states, international organizations, and others in the oblast. The administration interacts with the territorial bodies of central executive authorities, territorial bodies of local self-government, law enforcement agencies, security agencies, judicial authorities, and other bodies and organizations. The administration ensures the implementation of measures to ensure public order and public safety in the oblast, the protection of public order, the prevention and detection of crimes, the protection of public property, the protection of the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of citizens and legal entities, the provision of administrative services to the population and legal entities, the implementation of state control and supervision in the oblast, the implementation of measures to ensure environmental protection and environmental safety in the oblast, the implementation of measures to ensure the development of culture, education, science, health, physical culture, sports, youth policy, tourism, and others in the oblast.

The administration coordinates the activities of the executive bodies of local self-government, public authorities, public associations, political parties, trade unions, religious organizations, diplomatic missions and consular offices of foreign states, international organizations, and others in the oblast. The administration interacts with the territorial bodies of central executive authorities, territorial bodies of local self-government, law enforcement agencies, security agencies, judicial authorities, and other bodies and organizations.

Regional Information Before the Full-scale Invasion

Due to the full-scale war initiated by the aggressive Russian Federation against our state, 83 percent of Zaporizhzhia Oblast's territory is temporarily occupied or in the zone of active combat. Up to 800,000 residents lived in these areas during peaceful times, accounting for nearly half of the region's entire population. The occupiers forced many citizens to leave their homes and workplaces, turning them into refugees who lost everything. Some became internally displaced persons, while others had to seek refuge in friendly countries. The Russian military actions on the country's territory caused serious damage to the economy and critical and civilian infrastructure.

According to recent data, over 14,000 civilian objects have been partially damaged or completely destroyed since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Given that Zaporizhzhia is a frontline region, the scale of destruction increases daily. Based on the analysis of the current situation, several major problems and needs for restoration have been identified to create decent conditions for the return of citizens to the oblast, an attractive environment for investment, and regional development in various sectors. The armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and constant shelling present several challenges for Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Among the most significant are:

1. A large number of damaged or destroyed critical and social infrastructure, housing:

• The need to rebuild the housing stock. To facilitate the return of citizens to the Region and reduce the number of internally displaced persons who have lost their homes, rapid housing reconstruction is necessary. Restoration and housing provision are already underway, but the scale of destruction is enormous and growing daily. Currently, the number of registered housing stock objects in the Region in the Register of Damaged and Destroyed Property is as follows: residential buildings – 11,483 (multi-apartment – 1,838, private – 9,645); households – 14,321 (private houses – 9,645, apartments, rooms in dormitories – 4,676).
• The need to restore critical infrastructure. Restoring critical infrastructure is an extremely important task that determines the normal functioning of society and affects the preservation of life and safety of people. After the damage, almost all critical infrastructure operates in emergency mode, creating risks and emergencies that affect the quality of life. Overloaded networks, destroyed communication systems, lack of access to essential services, and the threat of further catastrophes are just some of the possible consequences.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, the following objects have been damaged or destroyed:

• Industrial complex – 585 objects, many of which have been repeatedly damaged. According to official data, by early 2024, the total damage to industrial enterprises amounted to over 4.4 billion hryvnias (almost 50 percent of which are high-tech machine-building enterprises, making their restoration quite difficult and costly). Additionally, the strategic enterprise of the Region – the private joint-stock company "Zaporizhzhia Iron Ore Plant" – as well as about 30 medium-sized enterprises, are under temporary occupation.
• Energy complex – 2,108 power supply objects (1,619 objects have been restored), with 50 settlements remaining without power (with a population of over 3,700 people). Among the damaged objects:
  • Dnipro Hydroelectric Station – the first and most powerful of the six hydroelectric stations built on the Dnipro River, which, when operating in normal mode, can provide enough electricity to supply the entire Zaporizhzhia region during a blackout (a total of 31 rocket strikes were inflicted on the station).
  • Main networks (objects) of the National Energy Company "Ukrenergo" – including substations and overhead lines.
  • Gas transportation objects, due to damage to which gas supply has been completely or partially cut off in 40 settlements (14,500 subscribers).
  • In addition, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been temporarily lost, and its occupation has turned Europe into a hostage of nuclear terrorism, creating an aura of uncertainty that weighs heavily on every European. The Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant, the private joint-stock company "Melitopolgas," all five wind power plants (with a total capacity of 595 megawatts), and 27 solar power plants (with a total capacity of 195 megawatts) have also been lost due to temporary occupation.
  • Agro-industrial complex – property in 33 agricultural enterprises has been completely destroyed, and 43 enterprises have been significantly damaged. Five food and processing enterprises have been destroyed. The infrastructure for storing produced agricultural products has also suffered significant losses.

1. Security conditions and environmental consequences:

• Extremely high levels of landmine contamination. Areas contaminated with explosive objects pose a danger to human life, business activities, and primarily agricultural producers. Demining work requires significant funds for the material and technical equipment of specialized demining groups and governmental and non-governmental demining operators. Given that 83 percent of Zaporizhzhia Oblast's territory is temporarily occupied or in the zone of active combat, it is currently impossible to objectively assess the needs for humanitarian demining of these territories. Meanwhile, in the territory of Zaporizhzhia Region under Ukraine's control, starting from 20 kilometers from the line of contact, demining (clearing) activities are continuously conducted through operational response. Since the beginning of the war, 4,056 explosive objects have been neutralized, and 1,779 fires related to artillery shelling have been extinguished. Agricultural land plots have been surveyed on an area of 1,235 hectares, of which 7 hectares have been cleared and 17 explosive objects destroyed. Even after the war ends, the consequences of the Russian Federation's aggression will be felt for years, as potentially dangerous territory in Zaporizhzhia Region requiring inspection for explosive objects after de-occupation is over 2.25 million hectares, including 1.5 million hectares of agricultural land.
• Large-scale negative environmental consequences. The war has led to the most significant negative changes in the natural environment due to the destruction of plants and animals, worsening their living conditions, terrain destruction, mining, territory poisoning with chemicals, and the destruction of nature reserves. Horrific long-term environmental consequences of the war include soil and air poisoning with hazardous chemicals, reduced biodiversity, and disrupted ecosystems. The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station dam by the occupiers destroyed the unique ecosystem of the National Nature Park "Velykyi Luh," the floodplain zone of the Kakhovka Reservoir, and Khortytsia Island. According to preliminary estimates, the damage caused to Zaporizhzhia Oblast's environment by the Russian Federation's armed aggression amounts to over 16.5 billion hryvnias. These figures are increasing daily.

1. Deterioration of the human capital component. During the war waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, human capital loses its potential as many Ukrainians, especially the young and qualified, migrate abroad. The war leads to population evacuation from conflict zones and internal displacement to safer parts of Ukraine. It has caused reduced access to quality medical care and education, affecting people's mental and physical health and the educational process. Among the main challenges are:

• Lack of qualified workforce. Strategic enterprises in the Region currently face a significant shortage of qualified personnel. According to leading industrial enterprises in the region (monitoring conducted on 24 strategic enterprises in the oblast), by the end of 2023, the average number of employees decreased by nearly 3,800 people (or by 10.5 percent compared to 2022).
• Loss of scientific-educational, medical, and sports professional potential. Educational services in a remote format are provided by 158 preschool education institutions (communal and private, with over 20,000 pupils) and one institution in a mixed format (private, 59 pupils). As a negative consequence of remote learning, over 1,600 teachers are on standby (nearly 69 percent of the total number of working teachers in the territory under control). Of the total number of pupils, only 9,400 children (47 percent) receive preschool education while staying in Zaporizhzhia Region(nearly 10,700 children, or 53 percent, have left their permanent residence). General secondary education is provided by 383 schools, of which: 332 operate remotely (108,700 students, 85 percent of the total number of students – nearly 128,000 students), 51 operate in a mixed format (19,200 students, 15 percent). Of the total number, only: 48 percent of general secondary education students (61,600 students) and 65 percent of teachers (11,700 teachers) remain within the oblast.

In the oblast, 28 state-owned institutions provide vocational training, covering over 10,500 students (99.2 percent of them under regional and state orders, 0.8 percent on a contract basis). Along with the vocational profession, 7,700 students (74 percent of the total number) receive complete general secondary education. The educational process is provided by 1,250 teachers (14 institutions offer mixed-format training).

In the 2023/2024 academic year, higher and professional pre-higher education institutions in the Region provide education to 60,800 students, including 48,700 (80 percent) university, institute, and academy students, and 2,100 (20 percent) college students. The teaching staff of higher and professional pre-higher education institutions in the Region in the 2023/2024 academic year is 4,050 people, of which: 3,065 (75.6 percent) work in the oblast; unfortunately, 460 teachers (up to 12 percent) are abroad and in temporarily occupied territories.

Compared to the 2021/2022 academic year, the number of employees in educational institutions in the Region has decreased by nearly 6,600 people, including: almost 1,700 people in preschool education institutions; 4,600 people in general secondary education institutions; 184 people in vocational (professional-technical) education institutions; 146 people in professional pre-higher education institutions. The number of teaching and scientific-pedagogical staff in higher education institutions has not changed.

Over two years of war, significant losses of human capital have occurred in healthcare institutions in the oblast. In particular, the number of: doctors decreased by 1,849 people (or by 32 percent compared to 2022) and as of early 2024, stood at 3,957 specialists; junior specialists with medical education decreased by 4,805 people (by 44 percent) – 6,211 specialists; junior medical personnel (orderlies) decreased by 2,520 people (by 41 percent) – 3,682 orderlies. Additionally, according to recent official healthcare data: 11 specialists, including eight highly qualified doctors, died (including mobilized personnel); 14 specialists were injured, including six doctors and eight junior specialists with medical education and orderlies; 14 specialists, including ten doctors, are in captivity.

After the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, 23 youth sports schools temporarily suspended their activities. Today, only three sports schools have resumed their activities (by relocating to the city of Zaporizhzhia and other regions of Ukraine). Over 8,100 children and adolescents participate in the chosen sports in the functioning sports schools, which is only 48 percent of the total number of students in all sports schools in the oblast. An even larger number of children cannot train (over 8,600 children), and 159 coaches are on standby: thus, the sports and personnel potential of the Region is lost.

As an unfortunate consequence, a negative trend is observed regarding the number of high-class athletes and their representation in the national teams of Ukraine (decreasing to 382 people in 2023 from 593 people in 2021); regional indicators in general sports rankings. In particular, according to the ranking of Olympic and non-Olympic sports in Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia Region ranked: eighth place in 2021; seventeenth place in 2023. Additionally, 16 athletes from the Region are candidates for participation in the XXXIII Olympic Games in 2024, and only three of them have licenses to participate (due to limited preparation opportunities). According to available information in the field of physical culture and sports: 20 people died; one person is in captivity; 1,180 people relocated to other regions of the country, and 820 people went abroad.

• Increase in the number of internally displaced persons. As the number of internally displaced persons grows, the demand for social services such as housing, education, healthcare, transport services, and assistance to low-income groups increases. According to recent data, there are 227,300 internally displaced persons in the oblast. Since the beginning of the war, the number of internally displaced persons has increased by 171,000 people (primarily citizens from temporarily occupied territories of the Region– Berdyansk, Vasylivka, Melitopol, Polohy districts – as well as other regions of the country – Donetsk, Kherson, and Kharkiv regions). Given the above, the need for social services and their funding has significantly increased. For example, in April 2024, living assistance was provided to 43,500 internally displaced families (over 65,000 people) for a total amount of almost 183 million hryvnias, which is six times more compared to the pre-war period. Additionally, there is an urgent need for the employment of internally displaced persons.

Moreover, currently, out of 44 compact living facilities with comfortable conditions, most require current repairs. Throughout the oblast, there are processes of population migration of internally displaced persons, increasing the number of people with disabilities and psychological traumas. Despite the range of existing problems, internally displaced persons receive the necessary services. According to operational data, over 255,500 internally displaced persons received medical services, and almost 10,600 children, pupils, and students from among internally displaced persons were involved in the educational process.

• Increase in the number of people requiring medical assistance and rehabilitation due to disabilities and the need for prolonged treatment of compromised health, as well as support for mental health. Post-traumatic stress disorders also pose a significant threat due to participation in combat and exposure to shelling of populated areas. Human tragedies in numbers: According to estimates by the World Health Organization, every fifth Ukrainian is at risk of developing some form of mental disorder. Forty to fifty percent of the population will need psychological support of varying intensity, primarily the elderly, internally displaced persons, children and adolescents, military personnel, and veterans.

The war has taken the lives of many civilians (in Zaporizhzhia Region alone, the number of victims since the beginning of the war is over 400 people, including 19 children). These are primarily data from the territory under control. The real number, considering the temporarily occupied territory, is, unfortunately, significantly higher. Nearly 1,500 civilians in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, including 107 children, were injured. During the period from 2021 to 2023, the number of people recognized as having disabilities for the first time increased by 1.6 times, from 6,341 in 2021 to 10,383 in 2023. Among Ukraine's regions, Zaporizhzhia Region ranked 12th in 2023. Among the working-age population, the number of people recognized as having disabilities for the first time increased by 1.3 times from 4,568 in 2021 to 5,876 in 2023. Among Ukraine's regions, Zaporizhzhia Region ranked 17th in 2023.

Given the realities of today under the conditions of armed aggression by the Russian Federation, the need for socio-psychological support for the population will significantly increase. Currently, such assistance is provided by the Zaporizhzhia Regional Center for Socio-Psychological Assistance. Before the war, the Center covered 500 families, and today, more than 2,500 families receive socio-psychological support.

The Center faces several challenges, particularly in providing assistance to the population living outside the city of Zaporizhzhia in terms of logistics and rapid response. Therefore, significant support to address this issue will be ensuring the Center has transportation. Additionally, work is currently underway to create mobile socio-psychological assistance teams in each territorial community, which also require transportation (the minimum current need is 17 service vehicles).

III. Regional Recovery Experience

Despite significant destruction and security risks, businesses in the Region continue to operate, creating an economic front for the region. During the war, operating conditions have radically changed for all business structures. Most active enterprises, constantly under bombardment of civilian and production infrastructure, face significant problems with demand (both in external and internal markets), logistics (especially for export-oriented ones), lack of working capital, and access to credit resources, shortage of qualified personnel, etc.

Signs of gradual stabilization are also noted, particularly in the work of the industrial complex, thanks to business structures that turned out to be the most flexible in decision-making. As a result of a series of implemented decisions, production has increased at several leading enterprises in the oblast. It can be noted that the decline in industry has been halted, with gradual recovery of production activity. According to recent statistical data, the industrial production index for 2023 was 94.5 percent compared to 47.1 percent in 2022.

Local small and medium-sized businesses remain an important driving force for ensuring life and resilience in the region. They support the community's economy, create jobs, and participate in supporting internally displaced persons and veterans in reconstruction processes. Today, nearly 42,000 active small and medium-sized enterprises remain in the oblast, providing jobs for over 87,000 people. Despite high military risks, small businesses continue to operate and develop.

A striking example of business operations is the opening of the Ice Arena "Ice Point" in the city of Zaporizhzhia. The construction of the complex was supposed to be completed in 2022, but due to military actions, the opening of the arena had to be postponed. Despite the difficulties, in mid-November 2023, the Ice Arena "Ice Point" started its operation, including for children from the hockey department of the youth sports school (the total area of the arena is over 2,850 square meters). The hockey rink equipment fully meets the standards of the Hockey Federation and was previously only in the sports palace in Kyiv, and now it is also in Zaporizhzhia.

Another enterprise, "Famberry" LLC, managed to survive and, despite temporary occupation, continues its activities in the oblast. Since 2013, it has had the largest cornel orchard in Europe (over 14 hectares), which is currently, unfortunately, under occupation. Receiving a grant, the enterprise used it to purchase modern equipment for processing and storing berries and fruits. Today, the Famberry trademark is a unique Zaporizhzhia brand, a modern family business. Their goal is the highest quality and authenticity of traditions.

At the beginning of the war, two local entrepreneurs who produced hunting and fishing gear founded "TTH" LLC, which completely changed its direction, launching a line of clothing and equipment. The company's range includes 398 items.

At the same time, it is necessary to note the significant support from the state, particularly through the introduction of large-scale business support programs, which over two years allow maintaining the economic potential of the region. Among the most effective in the Region(particularly in 2024) are: the state loan program 5/7/9 – Zaporizhzhia entrepreneurs received loans amounting to 839.9 million hryvnias, and a total of 3.9 billion hryvnias since the start of large-scale military actions; the state grant program for starting a business – 52 business projects have been funded for 12.2 million hryvnias; state employer support programs – 4 million hryvnias compensated for employing the unemployed and internally displaced persons; training and qualification improvement program for employees – 640,000 hryvnias allocated to support the oblast's human resources (through vouchers for 55 employees).

Additionally, enterprises in the Region received separate grants for developing processing activities. Over two years, the total amount of grant support for 25 processors amounted to 182 million hryvnias. In 2024, the regional government has already allocated over 11 million hryvnias from the budget to support local businesses.

Understanding that in wartime, providing quality administrative services to citizens and businesses becomes even more urgent (as it directly affects both the quality of life and is an important factor for economic activity), today, in the controlled territory of the oblast, the work of all centers for administrative services, which operated during peacetime, has been restored. Overall, the restored network includes 41 objects (35 percent of the entire pre-war network of administrative service centers), namely: 21 administrative service centers (including six relocated from temporarily occupied territories or active combat zones); 12 remote workstations for administrators, including two created outside the Region(in Kyiv and Lviv); six territorial subdivisions and two mobile offices for administrative services.

Since the beginning of 2024, over 71,000 services have already been provided in operating administrative service centers, almost twice as many as the corresponding figure for 2023.

Currently, regional authorities are focusing on finding and establishing cooperation with international partners and projects to: provide existing administrative service centers with the necessary equipment and facilities, improve the competency and skills of administrative service center personnel, and form material and human resource reserves for the rapid restoration of administrative service centers after de-occupation. As a result of effective cooperation with international partners, administrative service centers in the Region have already received a workstation for passport processing, two crossovers, and 15 electric bicycles with mobile cases, and 32 sets of computer equipment.

Regional Restoration Efforts and Development Vision

Restoration of Residential Buildings

Active efforts are underway to restore residential buildings in the region. Using budgetary and charitable funds, restoration work is being carried out on 10 apartment buildings in the city of Zaporizhzhia that were partially destroyed by rocket attacks. For instance, due to enemy shelling on October 6, 2022, an apartment building at 151 Soborny Avenue, Steeler Street 11, was severely damaged. Entrances No. 5 and 6, containing 24 apartments, were completely destroyed, along with the roof, ceilings, and load-bearing structures. Entrances No. 4 and 7 were deemed unsuitable for normal use. This building, constructed in 1954, is a local urban planning landmark and forms an architectural ensemble with other buildings on one of Zaporizhzhia's main squares. Currently, restoration work on the load-bearing structures is nearly complete, including repairs to the windows, roof, engineering networks, facade, landscaping, and the construction of a shelter. Energy efficiency measures have also been implemented. The restoration of other buildings is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.

Educational Sector

Due to COVID-19 and military aggression, students in Zaporizhzhia Region were forced to study remotely for nearly four years. This resulted in a significant decline in knowledge levels, communication skills, socialization, and personal development potential. It also negatively impacted the region's economy as families with children moved to other regions and abroad. The new realities required swift crisis response. Considering the security conditions in the oblast, efforts to equip schools with shelters began actively with the onset of the full-scale war. Between 2022 and 2023, almost 22 million hryvnias of state funds, more than 69 million hryvnias from local budgets, and over 7 million hryvnias from charitable organizations were allocated for this purpose, allowing the educational process to be conducted in-person or in a blended format for 10,000 children in 51 schools from the beginning of 2024.

Ensuring Safety and Well-being

Creating safe conditions for daily life is the top priority. Currently, 1,367 civil protection shelters in the Region are ready to protect the population, with their readiness level increased to 78 percent from 48 percent at the start of the war. Two multifunctional shelters, called "Unbreakable Hubs," have been created in Zaporizhzhia, accommodating up to 1,200 people. In addition to their primary function, these hubs serve as safe spaces for large-scale cultural and educational events, training sessions, workshops, meetings, and consultations, helping strengthen social ties and reduce stress levels during crises. In today's world, where safety and adaptability are priorities, innovative approaches in creating multifunctional shelter spaces like "Unbreakable Hubs" are crucial. These spaces not only meet modern safety requirements but also contribute to community development, enhance education and culture, and ensure inclusivity and sustainability.

Supporting Youth

To support young people, especially those who were forced to leave their homes, and to help them realize their potential and fully engage in the country's recovery processes, a space for the Melitopol Youth Center "People.ua" has been opened in Zaporizhzhia. The center offers new opportunities for teenagers and youth from temporarily occupied territories in southern Ukraine, providing a space for development, communication, and self-expression through art and education. The concept of the "Monolith" youth movement has already been developed, which includes the implementation of similar projects.

Vision for the Restoration and Development of the Oblast

Zaporizhzhia region aims to transform from recovery to a safe, resilient, economically developed area where all communities can thrive in post-war conditions. The main goal is not only to rebuild infrastructure, social spheres, and businesses but also to encourage residents to return to the region.

Our Three Strategic Objectives:

1. Preservation and Development of Human Capital, Reintegration
2. Comprehensive Infrastructure Recovery
3. Business Revival and Economic Development

Each direction has defined priorities, tasks, and key projects, including after the de-occupation of territories and strategic objects in the oblast.

1. Preservation and Development of Human Capital, Reintegration

To ensure the implementation of this strategic objective, plans include:

• Creating a Safe Environment in Communities:
  • Increasing the number of civil protection shelters to ensure 100 percent protection of residents.
  • Installing 100 primary shelters in places of mass gatherings using budget funds and socially responsible businesses.
  • Bringing radiation shelters or dual-purpose structures up to proper technical standards.
  • Implementing a large-scale project to build radiation shelters or dual-purpose structures, considering that part of Zaporizhzhia (Khortytskyi District, population over 81,000) is within the 50-kilometer zone around Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The estimated required funding is over 15.2 billion hryvnias.
• Modernizing the Centralized Alert System:
  • Ensuring the modernization of the territorial automated centralized alert system (a technical task has been agreed upon with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine) and building new local automated alert systems for integration into the territorial system (project documentation for four communities has been prepared, with 13 communities in the approval stage). The total required funding for the alert system modernization is over 365 million hryvnias.
• Creating a Network of Safety Centers:
  • Establishing safety centers equipped with the necessary technology and equipment to provide fire and public safety, civil protection, healthcare, and other services. Project documentation for three centers is being prepared, with a total required funding of nearly 94 million hryvnias.
• Implementing the "Zaporizhzhia City Video Analytics System" Project:
  • This project requires 350 million hryvnias. It will enhance the protection of high-risk objects from terrorist acts and improve public safety, particularly by reducing response time to violations and decreasing the number of offenses by 15-20 percent, while increasing the detection rate of violations by 15 percent.
• Ensuring Access to Quality Education:
  • Plans include resuming offline education in schools for all children on controlled territory from September 1, 2024, affecting over 50,000 children. The primary task is to create safe conditions in schools for offline learning. Plans include building 12 "underground schools" and renovating up to 20 existing shelters in schools.
• Providing the Necessary Funds:
  • Estimated funding needs for educational processes include over 1.1 billion hryvnias for building dual-purpose "underground schools" with radiation shelter properties for 5,600 students and 272 million hryvnias for renovating two lyceums (Zaporizhzhia Multidisciplinary Lyceum "Perspective," Zaporizhzhia Classical Lyceum).
• Funding Secured:
  • 405 million hryvnias from state subventions, 128.2 million hryvnias from local budgets, and 3.2 million euros from UNICEF have been secured, with additional funds being actively sought, including donor funds.
• School Nutrition Reform:
  • Implementing a school nutrition project – the "Gotuimo" kitchen factory (estimated funding required is 150 million hryvnias). This innovative model will ensure all students receive hot and healthy meals during blended learning.
• Creating Conditions for Physical and Mental Health Recovery:
  • Despite challenges, the medical system must become stronger and better prepared to respond to challenges caused by the full-scale war. Key tasks include improving the quality of medical care, protecting lives and health, and building a modern rehabilitation system for the swift return of defenders to full life.
• Major Projects:
  • Construction of a modern regional rehabilitation center for 150 beds, providing treatment for up to 4,000 patients per year (estimated funding needed is 389 million hryvnias).
  • Construction of "underground hospitals" in the regional children's clinical hospital and regional perinatal center, with delivery rooms and wards for pregnant women and newborns, ensuring safe conditions for extended stays (estimated funding needed is 430 million hryvnias).
  • New construction of protective structures in three healthcare institutions: regional rehabilitation center, regional clinical institution for psychiatric and social significant diseases, and medical college (estimated funding needed is 540 million hryvnias).
  • New construction of a surgical building at Zaporizhzhia Regional Children's Clinical Hospital, a powerful healthcare institution with over 300 beds, providing medical care to children injured by shelling and those with oncohematological pathology (estimated funding needed is 300 million hryvnias).
  • Capital repairs and technical re-equipment of the surgical unit at Zaporizhzhia Regional Clinical Hospital (estimated funding needed is 120 million hryvnias).
• Secured and Pending Funds:
  • 300 million hryvnias from the state budget and 180 million hryvnias from local budgets have been secured, with additional donor funds in the approval stage.
• Mental Health Support:
  • An essential direction is creating conditions for mental health recovery. Currently, a project supporting mental health and psychosocial assistance (MINDS) is being implemented under the patronage of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, with 176 specialists in healthcare, social protection, education, and internal affairs receiving training in providing psychological assistance to war victims. Additionally, 31 cooperation agreements have been signed in the field of mental health and psychosocial support.
• Social Integration of Internally Displaced Persons and Veterans:
  • Planned measures include facilitating employment for unemployed internally displaced persons, veterans, youth, and people with disabilities, including compensation for employers' costs of hiring specific categories of citizens.
  • Implementation of training and retraining programs, including vouchers for professional training and obtaining relevant professions (planned involvement of over 100 people and issuance of at least 200 education vouchers).
  • Further cooperation with the German organization SEQUA on projects aimed at retraining and training specialists in working professions within shortened terms (72 people are currently engaged) and the "Basics of Entrepreneurial Activity" training course. German partners have allocated nearly 1 million hryvnias for training, retraining, and skill enhancement in 2024. However, the need for retraining and skill enhancement will significantly increase after the oblast's de-occupation and will require more international partner support.
  • Actively attracting all possible resources to expand and equip temporary housing for internally displaced persons. Currently, 21 temporary housing locations urgently need repairs, household equipment, and barrier-free space (estimated funding needed is 67 million hryvnias).

Veteran Policy Implementation:

• Planned initiatives include creating a regional veteran space where military personnel can exchange experiences, find like-minded individuals, and discuss pressing issues.
  • Establishing mediation rooms for veterans and their families, offering psychological assistance and consultation services.
  • Providing administrative services to veterans and their families through the "single window" principle in administrative service centers, with appropriate setup and branding of workstations.
  • To honor fallen defenders, plans include building a memorial in Zaporizhzhia to honor Ukraine's defenders, creating memorial complexes in honorary burial sectors, and establishing an online platform to honor fallen defenders – the "Book of Remembrance."

Tourism and Social Services:

• The new challenges require changes in all types of social, cultural, and tourist services, implementing new forms of interaction with the population, particularly internally displaced persons. This includes creating accessible tourist attractions, such as on the basis of the Khortytsia National Reserve, which houses numerous historical landmarks from different periods, and multifunctional spaces. This will provide social and cultural services to new social groups (freelancers, entrepreneurs, veterans, internally displaced persons) and promote the development of creative industries in Zaporizhzhia.

Quality Administrative Services:

• Restoring or creating administrative service centers in each community of the Region will be a primary task after de-occupation. The goal is to follow the "build back better" principle, ensuring all new centers meet 12 standards of setup and service quality: convenient, fast, modern, barrier-free, simple, humane, reliable, perfect, accessible, transparent, friendly, and effective. There is confidence in quickly restoring the oblast's administrative service system after de-occupation using the best international practices. There is readiness to establish and expand cooperation with potential and regular partners to improve service quality, focusing on:
  • Constructing new buildings or installing modular administrative service centers, renovating existing centers (current priority needs are three renovations in controlled territories and three new constructions and nine renovations after de-occupation).
  • Ensuring barrier-free service provision in administrative service centers.
  • Equipping centers with specialized equipment for passport and driver's license services.
  • Increasing digitalization of administrative service centers through modern information systems to optimize administrator work.
  • Forming material and training personnel reserves for rapid restoration of administrative service centers after de-occupation.

2. COMPREHENSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE RESTORATION

To achieve the strategic objective, it is planned to ensure:

Restoration of Destroyed Settlements:

• According to modern urban concepts, restoring destroyed settlements is a priority. Given the significant number of destroyed residential, social, and engineering infrastructure facilities, communities face the urgent task of developing planning documentation, master plans, detailed plans for public centers of settlements, and specific residential areas. Primarily, these include Polohy, Orikhiv, Huliaipole, and Vasylivka communities, whose centers have suffered the most (up to 80 percent of public centers and residential buildings are destroyed). Key documents for ensuring the region's restoration in the medium term will be the comprehensive recovery programs of the region and territorial communities according to new norms in urban planning, construction, safety, inclusiveness, service accessibility, environmental safety, and energy-saving. The task of regional authorities is to ensure the rebuilding of areas based on systematic approaches, new planning, and complete transformation of settlements. One of the main principles is "build back better." Currently, there are agreements with international partners regarding the preparation of specialists for the development and implementation of territory recovery programs and plans (supported by the USAID DG East and ERA projects). However, considering that communities need to develop clear and comprehensive plans, determining the sequence and priority of object restoration, resources, and timelines based on the best European experience, international partner assistance is undoubtedly needed.

Restoration of Damaged Residential Buildings:

• Initially, the restoration of 10 apartment buildings in Zaporizhzhia, destroyed by rocket attacks, will be ensured. Residents of 330 apartments will return to their updated homes with insulated facades and improved territory. Additionally, there are plans to address the housing problems of internally displaced persons. Specifically, six projects are planned, including the reconstruction of existing premises and the construction of new residential facilities.

Restoration of the Region's Position as a Leader in Energy Generation:

• To restore Zaporizhzhia Oblast's position as a leader in European energy generation, ensure community energy independence, enhance energy security, and stabilize the energy system, the plans include:
  • New construction of cogeneration plants at the "City Heating Networks" facilities in Zaporizhzhia. This crucial project will enhance energy security, ensure uninterrupted operation of the region's critical infrastructure through distributed generation, potentially create energy islands, and provide continuous heating to 3,045 apartment buildings, nearly 300 social facilities, and over 600 other infrastructure objects (estimated cost: 2.35 billion hryvnias, expected annual savings: 663 million hryvnias, payback period: 3.5 years).
  • Restoration, modernization, and construction of new electrical and gas facilities (estimated costs for modernization and reconstruction of electrical distribution networks: 364 billion hryvnias, gas distribution facilities: 12 billion hryvnias).
  • Development of alternative generation facilities (wind, solar energy, biogas plants, small generation facilities).
  • Installation of alternative power sources and frequency converters at the largest water intakes in Zaporizhzhia – essential due to the ongoing destruction of energy facilities, especially the Dnipro Hydroelectric Station. Power outages at water supply facilities could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe for over 750,000 residents without drinking water. This urgent project will ensure emergency power supply for two water supply stations and provide water to residents (estimated cost: 132.5 million hryvnias).
  • Extending the operation of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant units and building small modular reactors.
  • Restoring and repairing damaged facilities at the Dnipro Hydroelectric Station, modernizing hydro units to maximize performance for full station capacity.
  • Implementing distributed generation projects at facilities with existing electrical and gas network infrastructure.

Restoration of Logistics and Transport Infrastructure:

• Due to hostilities and military equipment movement, Zaporizhzhia Oblast's road network is rapidly losing its operational qualities and requires urgent repairs. Over 2,300 kilometers of roads and 13 bridge crossings on controlled territory are partially damaged or destroyed. The urgent problem of transportation between the left and right banks of the Dnipro River in Zaporizhzhia is also pressing. The limited funding has left the road infrastructure across the Dnipro River incomplete, affecting traffic capacity. Additionally, the road surface of the Dnipro Hydroelectric Station dam is damaged (31 rocket impacts since February 24, 2022), with only two of four lanes operational. Plans for restoring transport infrastructure include:
  • Urgent repairs to damaged sections of roads and engineering structures to ensure timely operations for Ukraine's Defense Forces, military logistics, evacuation of the wounded, access to critical infrastructure, and delivery of humanitarian aid to frontline areas.
  • Major projects:
    • Construction of a road over the Dnipro River in Zaporizhzhia (estimated cost: 3.8 billion hryvnias) – critical to achieving the necessary traffic capacity.
    • Reconstruction of the Arch Bridge over the Old Dnipro River in Zaporizhzhia (estimated cost: 163 million hryvnias), a strategically important project to reduce the load on the city's existing system and significantly increase traffic capacity.
    • Restoration of Zaporizhzhia International Airport: shelling has damaged the new modern terminal opened in October 2020 and other airport infrastructure. After victory, this will be one of the key objects to rebuild.
    • Resumption of the Berdyansk seaport operations – ensuring proper functioning after de-occupation to support the region's and country's economy (aiming for a pre-war cargo turnover level of at least 2.2 million tons annually).

3. BUSINESS RESTORATION AND REGIONAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT

To achieve the strategic objective, it is planned to create the most favorable conditions for:

Business Recovery and Development:

• Zaporizhzhia Oblast, as a frontline area, has suffered significant economic damage. Specifically, 585 industrial complex facilities are damaged or destroyed, with almost 50 percent being high-tech machinery enterprises, making their recovery complex and costly. Key tasks include:
  • Implementing measures to assess damage and destruction to the regional economy for further recovery through forced reparations from the Russian Federation and investor and donor funds.
  • Strategic enterprises receiving material and technical assistance from partner countries through state mechanisms, including critically important equipment and production tools damaged or destroyed by hostilities.
  • Local businesses are already leveraging external and state tools for development, a proven path in the European Union. This work will continue actively, including through the state program "Affordable Loans 5-7-9 percent," grant programs of the eRobota project, the "Made in Ukraine" program initiated by the President of Ukraine, employer compensation programs, and others.
  • Expectations for the continuation and introduction of new tax preferences for frontline territories.
  • Regional authorities will support state programs with local resources to create a multiplier effect and enhance Zaporizhzhia Oblast's investment attractiveness. In 2024, a record amount of over 11 million hryvnias has been allocated from the regional budget to support small and medium-sized businesses, with plans to continue this practice.
• Planned initiatives include:
  • Co-financing business loan rates to provide interest-free credit resources ranging from 500 to 1,000 million hryvnias annually.
  • Targeted grant support for high-tech industries or products with high added value, returning relocated enterprises, energy independence, and barrier-free elements.
  • Targeted grant support for veteran businesses.
  • Developing innovative infrastructure projects to support businesses, such as the Artificial Intelligence Center and Innovation Hub, where entrepreneurs can test their inventions using the center's equipment and technologies.
  • Targeted measures for business integration and support for cluster initiatives.
  • This combination of state and local business support is expected to lead to active economic recovery and a favorable business environment after the region's de-occupation.

Sustainable Agricultural Development:

• Sustainable agricultural development, primarily through the demining of agricultural land. The front line in Zaporizhzhia Region stretches over 150 kilometers, covering 600,000 hectares needing complete demining. With Ukraine's current demining capacity (around 3,900 sappers and over 30 operators), demining Zaporizhzhia alone could take 240 years. Manual demining costs over $120,000 per hectare, more than 20 times the cost of mechanical demining, which can reclaim one hectare per month.
• The priority task is to attract international assistance (totaling 900 million hryvnias) for:
  • Training specialists and mine action operators, transferring valuable experience and technologies.
  • Acquiring demining equipment (minimum requirement: 20 units).
• Implementing these measures will significantly shorten demining timelines, efficiently returning over 600,000 hectares of valuable agricultural land to farmers.
• Additionally, agricultural producers have suffered significant losses due to the destruction of irrigation systems following the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station dam's collapse. Addressing this, the priority project is "Combining Rozumivska and Verkhnio-Tarasivska Irrigation Systems," requiring 100 million hryvnias. This will triple irrigated land areas (from 1,200 to 3,600 hectares) and meet the water needs of over 2,500 residents in Zaporizhzhia district.

New Industrialization Based on Sustainable Development and Green Transition:

• Before the war, Zaporizhzhia Oblast's large energy capacities, low electricity costs, and infrastructure made it highly attractive for large digital infrastructure nodes and data processing centers (IT centers). Key advantages included:
  • The largest energy facility in Ukraine and Europe – Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with a capacity of 6,000 MW.
  • A 111.3-hectare land plot near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with engineering and transport infrastructure.
• Before the war, there was significant interest from Central and Eastern Europe in creating a modern IT center in Enerhodar, planned for implementation after the region's de-occupation.
• Expected outcomes from such an IT center include:
  • Revenue from electricity supply, taxes, and budget contributions (over 1 billion hryvnias in VAT annually).
  • Creating high-paying jobs (over 2,000).
  • Developing Ukraine's communication infrastructure, driven by a major data transmission service consumer.
  • Reusing environmentally clean heat.

WE WORK. WE REBUILD. WE WILL WIN!