14.08.2026 | News
Ukrainian demolition professionals who completed specialised training in Finland are now commencing demolition works under a Swedish-funded project supporting sustainable reconstruction and circular management of war-caused debris waste.
The City of Irpin is launching demolition works under the project Demolition of Destroyed Buildings and Management of Construction and Demolition Waste in Kyiv Region, Ukraine, funded through a EUR 5.9 million grant provided by Sweden and managed by Nefco. In total, Sweden has so far contributed around EUR 83.7 million (approx. SEK 923 million) in grant financing to Nefco’s Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine.
The project marks an important milestone as specialised machinery has been delivered to Irpin and the newly trained demolition team begins work on the ground. The team will initially demolish four damaged residential buildings and one industrial facility in Irpin, as well as support the dismantling of a damaged school in nearby Mykulychi, which is expected to be rebuilt with Finnish support through Nefco’s Green Recovery Programme.
“We are probably the first country in history to rebuild while still at war. Irpin suffered extensive destruction, with around 70% of the city affected, and projects like this are key to restoring communities damaged by Russia. Today, Irpin is a leader in reconstruction, ready to support other communities and share its experience in wartime recovery. We have completed the equipment and machinery handover stage with our partners and are now launching the second phase of the project, which includes the demolition of destroyed buildings and the recycling of demolition waste,” says Anzhela Makeeva, Acting Mayor of Irpin.
Nordic and European cooperation supporting recovery
The project also engages leading European companies in Ukraine’s recovery efforts. Swedish companies Scania and Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) have supplied trucks and demolition excavators, while UK-based JCB has provided loaders and the Italian company Komplet has delivered a crushing and screening plant for construction and demolition waste. The equipment will remain in Irpin after the project, strengthening the municipality’s capacity to address the extensive damage caused by Russia’s full-scale war to Irpin’s housing stock.
“Supporting Ukraine is Sweden’s top priority. Since February 2022, Sweden has provided around EUR 14.5 billion (SEK 156 billion) in military and civil support. We are proud to be a partner in Ukraine’s recovery through practical cooperation that strengthens local capacity and creates long-term impact. The project in Irpin demonstrates how sustainable solutions, knowledge transfer and international partnerships can contribute to rebuilding communities affected by the war”, comments Ulrik Tideström, Sweden’s Special Envoy for Reconstruction, Business and Development in Ukraine.
Training and new equipment build local demolition capacity
Five Ukrainian professionals, including three women, completed specialised training in Finland at the end of 2025 in occupational safety, asbestos handling, demolition techniques, machinery operation and material recovery. Before coming to Finland, the three women also underwent basic excavator training through another Swedish-funded programme. The training strengthens local capacity, supports the empowerment of women, and helps ensure that knowledge and skills remain in Ukraine beyond the project’s implementation.
“This project demonstrates how Nordic cooperation can support Ukraine’s recovery in practical ways. By combining Swedish funding, Nordic expertise and local capacity building, we are helping Ukrainian communities develop the skills, knowledge and tools needed for long-term reconstruction. The goal is not only to demolish damaged buildings safely, but also to promote more sustainable and circular approaches to rebuilding”, says Ulf Bojö, VP, Eastern Europe at Nefco.
Promoting circular demolition and long-term resilience
The need for sustainable demolition solutions continues to grow across Ukraine. According to the latest Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA5), around 14 per cent of Ukraine’s housing stock had been damaged or destroyed by the end of 2025, affecting more than three million households.
Beyond the demolition of damaged buildings, the project promotes a circular economy approach to debris management through the recovery, recycling and reuse of materials wherever possible. This helps reduce pressure on landfill sites, minimises environmental impacts and preserves valuable resources for reconstruction.
The experience gained in Irpin is expected to serve as a practical example and source of inspiration for other Ukrainian municipalities facing similar reconstruction challenges. By investing in skills, equipment and sustainable methods, the project aims to support long-term recovery and resilience in communities affected by the war.
For more information, please contact:
Vitaly Artyushchenko, Programme Manager, Nefco
vitaly.artyushchenko@nefco.int, +358 50 9112427
Anni Rein, Senior Communications Manager, Nefco
anni.rein@nefco.int, +358 10 6180 852
Press Office, Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Email: ud.press@gov.se, Tel: +46 8 4055 010
About Nefco Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine
Nefco’s Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine supports the rebuilding of critical infrastructure and the development of sustainable, resilient municipal systems across the country. The first part of the programme, which is fully grant funded, brings together over EUR 500 million in financing from the European Union and the Nordic countries. It currently supports more than 50 projects across 35 communities in Ukraine. Since 2022, over 40 projects have been completed, with investments focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, heating, water, waste and other essential municipal services. The programme combines grant financing with technical assistance and capacity building to ensure lasting impact at the local level. Read more on: www.greenrecoveryukraine.org
About the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs
The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for Sweden’s foreign policy, international development cooperation, trade policy, and relations with other countries and international organisations. The Ministry, together with Sweden’s embassies and consulates worldwide, works to promote Sweden’s interests abroad, strengthen international cooperation, support democracy and human rights, and contribute to global peace, security, and sustainable development. It also oversees Sweden’s diplomatic missions and provides consular services to Swedish citizens abroad. Read more on: www.government.se