Post-war cities reconstructions after Russian invasion

After the brutal Russian attack on Ukraine, one of Kyiv’s main suburbs—Irpin—was left in ruins. Thousands of residents lost everything and were forced to flee the city.

Following the launch of the international Irpin Reconstruction Summit project, the Ukrainian diaspora, led by volunteers, organized a roundtable to discuss the next steps for securing international aid for Ukraine.

The invasion and active hostilities resulted in the destruction of 76% of the city’s infrastructure. To rebuild Irpin and make it livable again, a roundtable titled "Destroyed but

Not Conquered: Irpin" was held on October 19 at Loughborough University, London. The event introduced the Irpin Reconstruction Summit project to new international team members. Human rights activists, lawyers, architects, and media experts from across Europe and the UK shared their visions on expanding the network and raising funds for the city’s reconstruction in the shortest possible time.

"In the short term, we have already engaged the Green Building Council Italia for our media campaign to make Irpin a sustainable city built according to climate regulations. We have also established a connection with Austrian architect Gerhard Hauser, who visited Ukraine this summer as part of the Irpin Reconstruction Summit project," summarized project manager Iryna Yarmolenko.

With winter approaching, urgent repairs are needed for private homes and high-rise buildings, as cold weather threatens those still living in the city. The project envisions not only physical reconstruction but also the reintegration of human capital into Ukraine’s economy.

"Ukraine's rebuilding targets should be in the long term. One of our key goals is to support displaced Ukrainian women in Great Britain and Europe by providing them with greater access to educational programs, raising awareness of our initiative, and empowering young people to continue their studies. I believe this approach will also benefit Ukraine’s economy when displaced citizens return home to reunite with their loved ones," said Victoria Startseva, coordinator of the social engineering division at IRS and a doctoral researcher at Loughborough University London.

"Britain has shown an exceptional level of support during the invasion. I am here to establish connections with architectural, construction, and financial groups in London, Manchester, and Liverpool as future partnerships would be valuable in supporting Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts" stated Iryna Yarmolenko.