13.06.2025 | News
In the city of Irpin, located just outside Kyiv, over 900 buildings have been destroyed during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Across the country, the number of damaged or destroyed buildings is estimated to exceed 250,000. While the war continues, the urgent task of repair and reconstruction cannot wait. A significant challenge is cleaning up and managing the debris, which contains both harmful materials and materials that can be reused.
Sweden is funding a reconstruction project in Irpin, employing Swedish technology and expertise to demonstrate sustainable and cost-efficient methods for managing materials from damaged and destroyed buildings. The project aims to set a benchmark for environmentally conscious recovery efforts in Ukraine by showcasing innovative and safe ways to reuse waste streams.
“I am proud that Swedish and Nordic green solutions will now contribute to the reconstruction in Ukraine. Ukraine has asked for our support and expertise, and we are delivering; Sweden supports with aid funds and Swedish industry with quality equipment,” says Benjamin Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.
The Swedish companies Scania and Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) will provide equipment for the project, including trucks and demolition excavators, respectively. The initiative also includes extensive capacity building, with a focus on training female drivers to operate the machinery. This approach will not only support reconstruction but also strengthen the resilience of civil society.
The project is managed by Nefco, the Nordic Green Bank, with funding provided by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Sida; EUR 5.9 million in total. The city of Irpin is also contributing its own resources to the effort. Agreements between the key parties – Nefco, the City of Irpin, and equipment suppliers Scania and Volvo CE – were signed this week, and the project will take off in autumn 2025.
Empowering women to build back greener and better
The reconstruction initiative aims to serve as a model for hundreds of similar operations required across Ukraine to rebuild the country greener and better. By prioritising environmentally friendly practices and gender inclusion, the project in Irpin highlights how reconstruction can pave the way for a greener economy and more sustainable future.
Anzhela Makeieva, Acting Mayor of Irpin, expressed her gratitude for the support. “This project is of great significance to us. Irpin has suffered extensive damage due to Russia’s aggressive invasion, and we are committed to rebuilding our city in a sustainable way. The support from Sweden not only aids in our reconstruction efforts but also helps us align with European standards in waste management and recycling. We deeply appreciate this assistance, which is crucial for our recovery and future resilience.”
As part of the project, eight female drivers from Irpin will receive tailored training to operate the specialised equipment. These women have previously participated in a programme by the Swedish initiative Beredskapslyftet, which trains Ukrainian women as truck, bus, excavator, and forklift drivers. The initiative, supported by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Swedish companies, such as Scania and Volvo, and private foundations, has been endorsed by authorities in Ukraine.
Equipment from Sweden
Suppliers and consultants for the project were selected through transparent procurement processes. Swedish companies Scania and Volvo CE were awarded contracts for their high-quality machinery and commitment to sustainability.
“We are deeply honoured to welcome the delegation from the city of Irpin to Volvo CE’s global headquarters in Eskilstuna. Volvo CE has a longstanding presence in Ukraine together with our retail partner ETS and we are proud to support the city of Irpin’s reconstruction efforts. Their resilience and dedication in restoring the city are truly inspiring,” noted Joakim Arndorw, Head of Region International at Volvo CE.
Håkan Jyde, Managing Director of Scania Ukraine, also looks forward to being part of the rebuilding efforts. ‘Scania’s Ukrainian main facility, which, like Irpin, was occupied at the beginning of the war, is located near the city and several of our employees live in Irpin. That, along with the fact that eight female drivers, whom we have helped train, will be driving the trucks, makes us particularly proud to be part of this important project. All of Ukraine will be rebuilt, and this is just the beginning.”
Collaboration for a long-term recovery
The pilot project in Irpin is expected to be completed in spring 2026, laying the groundwork for further reconstruction efforts both in Irpin and across Ukraine. Nefco’s collaboration with local and national authorities, as well as international donors, underscores the importance of collective action in addressing the immense challenges posed by the war and the related environmental impacts.
Nefco has been active in Ukraine for over 20 years and is currently playing a key role in the country’s recovery efforts, focusing on concrete actions. Through its Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine, Nefco has mobilised over EUR 360 million from the EU, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Since the programme’s launch in 2022, 30 projects have been completed, with a further 50 currently underway, focused on critical municipal infrastructure, educational and healthcare facilities, and urgent housing needs.
For further information, please contact:
Ulf Bojö, Vice President, Green Transition Eastern Europe, Nefco
ulf.bojo@nefco.int, +358 10 6180 637
Lia Oker-Blom, Senior Communications Officer, Nefco
lia.oker-blom@nefco.int, +358 10 6180 671
Photo: Anzhela Makeieva, acting mayor of Irpin, tests an excavator at Volvo CE in Eskilstuna on June 12 – Volvo CE