Housing for Victims of Russian Aggression: International Forum Held in Kyiv

Published on 01 August 2025, at 09:32

At the International Forum “Housing for Affected Populations: Partnership for Sustainable Solutions”, participants discussed ways to address the housing crisis, coordinate efforts, and improve information exchange between representatives of the government, parliament, local authorities, and leading Ukrainian and international humanitarian organizations.

The Forum was organized by the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine jointly with the Temporary Special Commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the Protection of Property and Non-Property Rights of Internally Displaced Persons and Other Persons Affected by the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, with the support of the Council of Europe Project “Supporting the Development of Housing Solutions for People Affected by the War in Ukraine. Phase II”, implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” (2023–2026).

The key topics of the Forum included coordination among different stakeholders, assessment of the effectiveness of existing support programs and spending, opportunities for expanding housing initiatives, and the challenges faced by various actors.

“We need to synchronize our efforts between the state, communities, international donors, and organizations working in this field. When everyone moves in their own direction, resources are scattered, and the impact is reduced. When we work within a shared framework, the results improve — first and foremost, for people,” emphasized Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine  and Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine

Co-organizer of the Forum and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada’s Temporary Special Commission on the Protection of Property and Non-Property Rights of IDPs and Persons Affected by the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, Pavlo Frolov, noted that more than four million Ukrainians who lost their homes as a result of Russian aggression are waiting for answers.

“Our Forum aims to determine how to make assistance effective — to ensure that every dollar, euro, and hryvnia is directed to support the most vulnerable categories who truly need it,” stressed Pavlo Frolov. He added that the Parliamentary Commission on the Protection of IDP Rights would review all proposals presented at the Forum and develop practical steps for their implementation.

Líllja Grétarsdóttir, Head of the Department for the Implementation of Human Rights, Justice and Legal Cooperation Standards, Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law of the Council of Europe, highlighted the important efforts of the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, the Temporary Special Commission, and both international and national organizations in addressing the housing needs of people affected by the war.

“Your contribution to ensuring housing for people affected by the war has led to real changes that impact lives and shape the future. Thank you for your dedication,” said Líllja Grétarsdóttir. She also noted that the Council of Europe had supported a number of key initiatives that already brought tangible results in this area — including awareness campaigns, strengthening digital infrastructure, and assisting in the development of legislation and policies.

Following the Forum, the Temporary Special Commission will prepare a roadmap of further actions in the field of assistance to IDPs and those affected by Russian aggression.
 “Our Commission will analyze all reports presented at the Forum and review information from international organizations about previously provided assistance in order to scale up the most effective projects,” emphasized Commission Chairman Pavlo Frolov.

He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the Council of Europe, and all partners who supported the Forum and continue to make every effort to assist those affected by Russian aggression.