Kyiv, Ukraine – On April 15, 2025, the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, together with international partners, officially announced the launch of the second phase of the “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine” program, a multilateral initiative aimed at supporting the recovery and strengthening the resilience of Ukraine in times of war.
The event was attended by representatives of Ukrainian government bodies, ambassadors of financial partner countries, representatives of local authorities, civil society, and other Program partners.
During the event, representatives of the Program's financial partner countries – Canada, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – signed a Memorandum of Understanding together with the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, confirming their shared commitment to the reconstruction of Ukraine and the strategic priorities of the second phase of the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine program.
The Partnership for a Strong Ukraine programme is a joint initiative of seven countries and an example of coordinated international support for Ukraine’s most vulnerable communities. The second phase of the programme provides expanded financial support of up to £150 million over the next three years.
“Ukraine's recovery is built on partnership with our communities and international friends. We must act quickly but wisely to restore basic services, infrastructure, and bring hope back to the regions most affected by the war.”, – noted Alena Shkrum, First Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine. “With the second phase of the “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine” program” We are entering a new phase of recovery, and we are doing so together with trusted international partners. I sincerely thank them for their continued support. The strengthening of our partners' commitments is a powerful signal: the world stands with Ukraine, and together we will rebuild stronger and more resilient communities across the country..”
The second phase of the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine program focuses on building resilience at several levels:
- Resilience in survival: Meeting the urgent needs of the most vulnerable, frontline communities, providing them with building materials, emergency transport, and protective equipment for emergency services.
- Community resilience: ensuring the continuity of basic services and community cohesion through the restoration of schools, hospitals, water and energy infrastructure, and supporting inclusive local recovery planning.
- Social sustainability: future orientation by supporting national unity and social cohesion, in particular through the reintegration of veterans and participation in the work of the President of Ukraine's Bring Kids Back initiative.
Building on the achievements of the first phase, the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine will continue to strengthen the resilience of communities in frontline and border regions. The second phase involves the implementation of the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), a dedicated tool for the rapid provision of critical resources to the most vulnerable communities. The RRM will provide ongoing support to communities within 30 km of the frontline, and will also allow for rapid response to crisis situations across Ukraine through the rapid deployment of equipment from pre-equipped warehouses.
In its first phase, the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine program implemented 577 projects in 127 communities, helping over 2 million Ukrainians regain access to basic services such as healthcare, education, electricity, and clean water. The program helped restore hospitals, schools, cultural institutions, and public spaces.
“Ukraine’s resilience begins with the resilience of communities,” said Anna Onyshchenko, Program Manager. “Every generator, every school rebuilt, every child returned home is a step towards the future Ukraine deserves. With the launch of the second phase of the Program, we are not only continuing, but also strengthening our support for Ukraine’s resilience in the short and long term.”
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The Partnership for a Strong Ukraine (PSU) Program is a multi-donor initiative funded by the governments of Canada, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and implemented by Chemonics UK. The Program aims to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russian aggression by providing critical support to local communities in collaboration with Ukrainian government agencies, civil society, media and the private sector.
