Brief

The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated almost UAH 1.2 billion for the construction of municipal rental housing for residents of Mariupol who lost their homes due to the war. The project will be implemented in Bila Tserkva; the first phase envisions about 1,000 apartments and is to be completed by the end of 2026 — the press service of the Ministry for Development reports.

What the government decided

This concerns the creation of a residential quarter with move-in-ready apartments — with finishes, furniture and household appliances. The apartments are intended for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the format of social rent at prices below market rates.

"The project is based on the best European practices and envisages the creation of full-fledged social infrastructure: kindergartens, a general education school, shops and outpatient clinics. Special apartments for people with disabilities are also planned."

— Press service of the Ministry for Development

Why this matters

First, housing security is a critical factor for returning people to normal life: stable housing provides access to education, healthcare and employment. Second, social rent eases pressure on the market segment and on local budgets, which are currently spending resources on emergency expenditures. Third, the project has a demonstrative effect for other communities and donors — it signals that the state can plan long-term resettlement of IDPs.

Funding and timing

The project will be financed partly from the state budget, as well as through contributions from the Mariupol community and support from EU partners — the government reports. The start of the first residential quarter was announced on 5 December 2025; the first phase should be delivered by the end of 2026.

Related initiatives

In addition to the project in Bila Tserkva, the government plans other measures for resettling IDPs: construction of a settlement with 200 modular homes in the Myronivka community and the transfer of state property and seized assets under ARMA’s management for temporary resettlement.

Context and risks

The initiative responds to an acute need, but success depends on three factors: quality construction management, transparent mechanisms for apartment allocation, and stable funding for the coming years. Analysts emphasize that declarations need to be rapidly turned into signed contracts with contractors and clear rules for social rent to avoid corruption risks and delays.

Conclusion

The project in Bila Tserkva is a logical step in a systemic solution to the housing crisis for Mariupol residents. It combines social policy with infrastructure and international support. But now the key is execution quality: whether partners and the state can quickly turn the plan into concrete keys and doors behind which people will return.

Additionally: LIGA.net has already explained practical steps for owners of damaged housing and changes in the state program "eOselya" for 2026 — useful material for those applying for compensation or looking for housing options.