On April 28, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Oleksandr Mischenko, took part in a joint briefing of the MFA and the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) on activities in Ukraine in the context of armed aggression by the Russian Federation.

During the briefing, Oleksandr Mischenko informed ambassadors and heads of international organizations in Ukraine about the damage caused to the cities and towns of our country as a result of enemy attacks, as well as about the joint efforts aimed at rebuilding Ukrainian settlements in accordance with the concept of "building back better." The event was also attended by UN-Habitat Chief of Staff Erfan Ali, who is paying a working visit to Ukraine.

In his address to the diplomatic corps accredited in Ukraine, Oleksandr Mischenko expressed sincere gratitude for the efforts aimed at developing bilateral relations with our state and noted that the assistance of foreign partners not only helps the Armed Forces of Ukraine repel the enemy, but also supports the Ukrainian nation in the reconstruction and restoration of the Motherland.

The event was also attended by Ms. Olena Shulyak, Head of the Parliamentary Committee on State Building, Local Governance, Regional and Urban Development of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine; Ms. Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor and Presidential Commissioner for a Barrier-Free Environment; and representatives of the affected communities of Ukraine.

This event was another joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the UN, aimed at raising awareness among the world community about the multifaceted harm caused by Russia and designed to draw attention to the importance of the UN's uninterrupted activities in our country.

According to preliminary World Bank estimates alone, over 13% of Ukraine's housing stock has been destroyed or damaged as a result of enemy attacks. A significant number of cities and towns have been completely destroyed. The Ukrainian side is counting on the unique expertise of UN-Habitat in the restoration of settlements, taking into account the principles of inclusiveness, barrier-free access, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.