Kyiv, Ukraine, 16 December 2025 —The Government of the Republic of Korea and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have provided the city of Zaporizhzhia with four cogeneration units to support the uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure.

Zaporizhzhia, which is a major frontline city of 600,000 residents and home to thousands of people who were forced to internally displace, is subject to constant attacks. The installation of the cogeneration units will help strengthen the resilience of essential services in one of Ukraine’s most affected regions.

Cogeneration units generate heat and electricity simultaneously, ensuring there is an efficient and stable energy supply. Once operational, the four units will help safeguard more than 350 social infrastructure facilities, including schools, kindergartens, and hospitals, directly benefiting tens of thousands of people.

Commenting on the handover of the new units, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ukraine Park Kichang reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Ukraine: “The Republic of Korea remains committed to helping Ukraine strengthen its resilience and restore essential services,” Park said. “Today’s handover is one part of our broader contribution to improving the wellbeing and safety of communities affected by the war. We will continue standing with Ukraine as it rebuilds and moves toward a more secure future.”

Zaporizhzhia Region State Administration Head Ivan Fedorov expressed gratitude for the assistance: “This equipment is crucial for maintaining the stability of our energy system under constant pressure,” Fedorov said. “The support of international partners such as UNDP and the Republic of Korea strengthens our ability to respond to daily challenges and accelerates the recovery of our communities.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Auke Lootsma highlighted the human dimension of the effort: “Energy resilience is ultimately about protecting people and ensuring they have access to basic services in the most difficult circumstances,” Lootsma noted. “Thanks to the support of the Republic of Korea, we’re helping communities receive reliable heat, light, and water. We deeply value this partnership, as well as the dedication of energy and utility workers who keep systems running despite enormous challenges.”

Ukraine’s recovery continues to require substantial international support. According to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4) by the Ukrainian government, World Bank, European Union and UNDP, the energy sector alone will require an estimated EUR 66 billion for reconstruction. The scale of the damage underscores the urgency of sustained investment and partnerships.

The Republic of Korea is making a significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s energy system via UNDP:

• Korean funding enabled the delivery and installation of 25 high-voltage 750 kV bushings for Ukrenergo, helping restore damaged substations and reconnect communities nationwide.
• In frontline regions, Korea is supporting the installation of solar power systems for hospitals, water utilities, and schools in Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Sumy, Shostka, and Vilniansk, ensuring uninterrupted services even during blackouts.
• Korea is also helping improve the efficiency of Ukraine’s largest water utility by supplying energy-efficient equipment, reducing electricity consumption, improving operational reliability, and supporting nearly one million residents.

Overall, Korean-funded projects are enhancing essential services for more than a million people in Ukraine, accelerating the country’s green recovery and strengthening long-term resilience in war-affected communities.

Background:

With multi-project funding of over US$15.6 million from the Government of the Republic of Korea, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is contributing to enhancing the resilience and sustainable development of the energy sector in Ukraine. The significant contributions made by the Government of the Republic of Korea provide indispensable logistical and technical support for ensuring energy security and recovery across the country. 

Media inquiries:

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications and Advocacy, yuliia.samus@undp.org