KYIV, 22 April — Swedish and UN officials toured recovery sites across western and central Ukraine to evaluate a multimillion-dollar initiative aimed at rebuilding war-torn communities through veteran rehabilitation and inclusive business.

The joint monitoring mission, led by the Embassy of Sweden and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, visited Vinnytsia, Ternopil, and Lviv oblasts to assess the progress of the Empowered Partnership for Sustainable Recovery (EPSR) project, identify new areas for long-term investment, and hold meetings with project partners and beneficiaries to discuss potential areas for continued support to Ukraine's sustainable recovery.

The EPSR project, funded by Sweden and implemented jointly by Sida and UNDP, is active in thirteen oblasts across Ukraine, supporting war-affected communities by strengthening local governance, fostering cross-sectoral partnerships, and creating inclusive economic opportunities for displaced people and local populations.

In Vinnytsia, the delegation visited a new pottery classroom at the "Podillia" Centre for Complex Rehabilitation, established with Swedish support to provide clay therapy for patients. The session was led by Ivan Shostak, a Ukrainian veteran who lost his sight in combat and mastered the craft through "Pottery in the Dark" initiative. Launched in 2025 with funding from Sweden, the initiative offers social rehabilitation and new career paths for veterans navigating vision loss.

In Berezhany, Ternopil Oblast, the delegation met with EPSR project grantees working on 2025–2026 initiatives that range from microgreen cultivation to entrepreneurship training. The mission also reviewed a locally managed waste-management system that integrates the separate collection and processing of household refuse. Together, these projects illustrate the programme's dual commitment to generating economic opportunities while implementing sustainable environmental practices.

The mission also travelled to the village of Navariya in Lviv Oblast to visit "Coffee with a Purpose" (Ukrainian: "Кава зі змістом"). This inclusive coffee space employs people with disabilities, serving as a model for how social inclusion and economic empowerment can drive community cohesion. The project highlights the tangible impact of locally led recovery efforts, turning a small-scale business into a symbol of a more inclusive future.

Christina Danielsson, Counsellor and Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden, emphasized Sweden's long-term commitment to Ukraine’s recovery during the mission.

"Sweden stands with Ukraine — today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes," she said. "The initiatives we visited, from clay therapy for veterans to inclusive employment, demonstrate that when communities are empowered, they find solutions that are both deeply human and powerfully transformative. Sweden will continue to stand by Ukraine's side as a partner in rebuilding a sustainable, inclusive, and democratic future."

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the strategic importance of localized recovery efforts during the mission. 

"The success of these initiatives demonstrates that local partnerships are the essential building blocks for a resilient national recovery," he said. "By documenting and evaluating these community-led models, we ensure they can be scaled and replicated across the country to create a sustainable, inclusive future."

Media enquiries:
Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org