Ukraine

The 24th of February 2022 marked the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with catastrophic consequences: last year, an estimated 12.7 million people in Ukraine required humanitarian assistance. According to United Nations projections, more than 6.9 million people were displaced abroad, and nearly 4 million are internally displaced within Ukraine. There is no end to the war in sight – the needs remain immense. Helvetas provides humanitarian assistance and is engaged in long‑term development cooperation.

The war has also had devastating effects on the economy and society: infrastructure has been destroyed, the labour market has changed drastically, value chains have been disrupted, and local economic systems have been weakened. Sustainable recovery depends not only on reconstruction but also on jobs, skills, and functioning markets and institutions – even amid ongoing uncertainty.

Helvetas responds to these challenges by combining decades of expertise from more than 35 countries with a strong local presence in Ukraine. From its offices in Kyiv and Kharkiv, Helvetas provides immediate support in reconstruction – including housing and water systems – while also applying long‑term development approaches, such as strengthening local economies. In doing so, Helvetas makes a significant contribution to systemic and sustainable impact.

Long-term cooperation in Ukraine

Strengthening the economy – for a future beyond the war

A strong economy is essential for rebuilding a country. Yet many small and medium-sized enterprises – the backbone of Ukraine’s economy – are struggling to survive. Helvetas supports them in restarting their businesses through microcredits, practical training and digital solutions. Via online platforms and personalised advisory services, companies receive support to further develop their business models and adapt to changing market conditions. With these approaches, Helvetas helps create jobs and strengthens local economic cycles – an important step for the country’s recovery.

New opportunities for those most affected

Many people have lost their jobs or had to leave their professions because of the war. Helvetas therefore offers vocational training and upskilling courses in technical and manual trades, including welding, plumbing, painting, sewing and energy technology. More than 1,000 adults have already gained new qualifications and are once again earning an income. To ensure high-quality training, Helvetas supports local vocational centres with modern equipment and safe shelters, enabling learning and further training to continue even during the war.

Supporting the labour market with data-driven approaches

To ensure that support reaches those who need it most, Helvetas conducts regular labour market analyses together with governmental and economic partners. These analyses show that internally displaced people, persons with disabilities and veterans face significant difficulties in accessing the labour market, despite the strong willingness of many companies to hire.

Helvetas facilitates internships for these particularly vulnerable groups in cooperation with local businesses, helping them to enter the workforce and build prospects in their communities. Helvetas also supports policy reform processes that enable a more inclusive labour market in the long term.

Strengthening communities – from local organisations to essential infrastructure

Local organisations carry out a large share of humanitarian work in Ukraine. Yet only few receive direct international funding. Helvetas helps close this gap by supporting more than 90 local organisations financially and by sharing technical know-how. Over 50,000 people have already benefited from safer access to shelters, water, electricity and medical services.

In addition, so‑called repair hubs in Kyiv and Kharkiv help people make basic repairs to damaged homes themselves, enabling them to keep their living spaces habitable and protected during winter.

How Helvetas makes an impact in Ukraine

Helvetas combines decades of international experience with a strong local presence. We work closely with communities, businesses and public institutions to develop solutions that have an impact far beyond individual projects.

This includes:

• Market-based approaches that strengthen the economy and labour markets
• Reliable data analyses that inform political decision-making
• Partnerships that enable reforms and sustainable development
• Local ownership, ensuring that projects remain effective in the long term

Through this work, Helvetas helps ensure that Ukraine not only overcomes the current crisis but can recover in a self‑determined and sustainable way over the long term.