Strategy Papers

Creating a Better Future: Insightful Development Planning for Ukrainian Reconstruction

Executive Summary

On February 24, 2022, Ukraine as we knew it, ended. In an instant, our role as the international development community changed. In addition to supporting Ukraine as it continues to fight the Russian invaders, we must work with Ukraine to determine what development support will look like as the country continues to evolve. Many of the suggested concepts and solutions must be developed while we are still in the midst of the war. Ukraine and the international community must show that democracy will always definitively prevail over an autocratic regime and send a clear warning that such tyranny will fail. We cannot wait for an end to the war; we must prepare now for the role we will play once Ukraine is able to engage more fully.

These concepts and suggestions are the basis for this paper, as part of an attempt to initiate ongoing discussions, which should encompass funding discussions and support. Moving forward, the development community should seek nonmilitary support that is at least on par with military spending. To overcome Russia, Ukraine will need all the tools we can, and should, provide. The Ukrainian government has already indicated that it seeks nonmilitary support; in April, President Zelensky established the National Council for the Recovery of Ukraine from the Consequences of the War (Presidential Decree #266/2022), which should collaborate with the development community to develop a plan prioritizing reforms necessary for Ukraine to rebuild and continue its growth as an independent country.