OUR EXPERTISE
Major Infrastructure projects
Chornomorsk seaport concessions
One of the tasks was to attract investments and modernize the fixed assets of maritime enterprises. The team worked on public-private projects and the concession of state-owned stevedoring companies in seaports.
Our team managed the preparation of the concession project at the Port of Chornomorsk, including the first and container terminals, as well as the ferry complex.
IFC, in partnership with the EBRD, offers consulting support for the development of two concession projects at the Port of Chornomorsk.
SE "ChMTP" and SE "USPA" facilitated the transfer of the majority of the required information to the consultants for the preparation of the feasibility study.
Weight-in-motion
The Weigh-in-Motion (WiM) system is an effective tool in combatting overloaded large vehicles. With sensors embedded in the road surface, the system enables the determination of the truck's weight. In addition to weight sensors, WiM is equipped with other interactive modules. Cameras record the vehicle's speed, dimensions, and license plates, allowing for the identification of overloaded vehicles without disrupting traffic. The system transmits summarized information to inspectors' devices and records it in the database. Through the system, Ukraine applies automatic fines to violators of weight regulations.
The team managed project development in collaboration with the World Bank and coordinated its implementation by introducing necessary legislation and digital solutions.
Since the project's full launch over two years ago, the Ukrainian budget has received over ₴300 million.
Main water supply system construction
The destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant on June 6, 2023, by the aggressor country led to a rapid drop in the water level of the Kakhovka reservoir.
Consequently, a significant portion of the Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions faced severe water supply issues due to limited access to water.
To address the urgent need our team initiated the construction of water mains in the Dnipropetrovsk oblast.
This crucial project ensured a reliable water supply for the affected regions, aiding in the restoration of normal living conditions for over 1.5 million Ukrainians.
The endeavor encompassed comprehensive planning, pipeline installation, and the deployment of essential equipment to guarantee uninterrupted water provisioning.
Construction of energy facility protection structures
As the first russian attacks targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, our team collaborated closely with the General Staff to devise strategies for the passive protection of critical infrastructure.
In early 2023, our team embarked on constructing protective structures at 22 power substations nationwide to safeguard them from potential damage caused by unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles.
This initiative entailed erecting distinct structures, with 22 specifically designed to shield against missile attacks and another set of 22 tailored to counter unmanned aerial vehicles.
As of now, the protective structures aimed at mitigating damage from unmanned aerial vehicles have reached their final stages, ensuring the safeguarding of invaluable equipment from hostile threats.
Construction of roads and bridges
From 2019 to May 2024, the Foundation's team, comprising Oleksandr Kubrakov, Anna Yurchenko, Andriy Ivko, Mustafa Nayem, and Oleksandra Azarkhina, assumed responsibility for the road construction sector in Ukraine. The team undertook intensive efforts in 2020 and 2021, spearheading the coordination of financing, management, and execution of the most extensive road renovation projects in the entire history of Ukraine's independence.
Flagship projects:
The bridge over the Desna River, located on the M-01 Kyiv - Chernihiv highway, serves as the southern access point to Chernihiv. This bridge, measuring 168 meters in length (comprising two spans of 84 meters each), was destroyed on March 23, 2022, due to aerial bombardment. Following the de-occupation of the Chernihiv region, a decision was made to rebuild the bridge by constructing a new one. The project commenced in December 2022, with the entire set of works scheduled for completion by December 2024. Technical supervision of construction is carried out by an independent international company.
The construction of a highway spanning the Dnipro River in Zaporizhzhia commenced in 2004 but faced a suspension in 2016. Our team took charge of completing this significant project towards the end of 2019. This endeavor marked a milestone, with its primary objective being to establish reliable transportation links between the right and left banks of Zaporizhzhia and the southeastern region of Ukraine, thereby fostering economic growth in the area. The highway is a continuous connection between the right-bank and left-bank regions of Zaporizhzhia via Khortytsia Island, spanning a total length of 9.1 km. It features 27 artificial structures with a combined length of 4.7 km, along with 13 overpasses and 12 overhead bridges.
Thanks to the collective efforts of our team, the construction of the bridge has become a reality. We successfully navigated through numerous bureaucratic, managerial, financial, and engineering challenges, ensuring the mitigation of corruption risks while maintaining high-quality construction standards.
The M-01 Kyiv - Chernihiv international highway, classified as a key national transport route, aligns with transport corridor No. 9 (Kretsky) and serves as the most direct link to Scandinavian countries, the Baltic States, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece. Extending through Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, this highway plays a vital role within Ukraine's integrated transportation network. Amidst Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, this route has emerged as a critical lifeline, acting as the primary logistics artery connecting the north with the capital and central Ukraine. The project is co-financed by the EIB and the EBRD.
The M-03 Kyiv - Kharkiv international highway spans across five regions, including areas presently under partial occupation. As one of the country's busiest thoroughfares, it serves primarily as a logistical route, significantly impacted by Russia's aggression. Repair initiatives were initiated on sections within Poltava and Kharkiv regions in 2019, covering a distance of 68.7 km. The refurbishment of the M-03 highway facilitated efficient transport flow across northern and eastern Ukraine. Furthermore, in the current context of Russia's aggression, this strategic road now establishes crucial logistical connections in the northern regions bordering eastern Ukrainian territories. The project was funded in cooperation with the World Bank.
Reforms implementation
IFIs standards in infrastructure procurement procedures
With the aim of incorporating advanced and widely accepted methods utilized by international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, in procuring consulting services in Ukraine, our team, which includes Anna Yurchenko and Iryna Kucheruk, has formulated a draft Law of Ukraine entitled "On Procurement Peculiarities for Consulting Services and Work-Related Services."
Simultaneously, this proposed shift in approach introduces the option of delineating specific tendering nuances for particular procurement scopes through distinct legislative measures.
In striving to optimize the execution of the task assigned to our team, consensus was reached to adopt a strategy focusing on the development of a distinct law aimed at regulating the procurement of consulting services and work-related services.
This tailored approach ensures that the specific procurement scope retains the overarching principles and ethos of procurement practices.
Improving road safety
The implementation of road safety audits and inspections in compliance with EU requirements, along with the adoption of a methodology for identifying accident-prone areas and sites with a high concentration of road accidents in accordance with EU standards.
Mr. Kubrakov is also the author of a bill passed by the Parliament that introduces road safety audits. The document has helped to achieve a high level of road safety, reducing road accidents and the severity of the consequences of road accidents.
Digital Solutions Development
e-Construction
In 2020, the Unified State Electronic System for Construction was created. All processes related to construction registration are carried out through the electronic system. This helped streamline Ukraine's construction process and make it transparent and free from corruption through maximum publicity. The USESC has to implement the entire life cycle of the construction of a facility, starting with obtaining urban planning conditions and restrictions and ending with its commissioning. Most of the information and documentation required for construction is created in the System by the relevant entities, allowing for the centralization and standardization of data from various disparate sources.
All necessary documents can be obtained on the portal without a visit to government agencies.
e-Recovery: housing case
To ensure transparent and accountable distribution of compensation to Ukrainians whose homes were destroyed or damaged as a result of Russian aggression, we created a digital ecosystem that combines multiple registries. From recording the damage, submitting an application, and digitally signing it with the responsible employee, to spending the transferred funds on construction materials and services, or buying a new home, all in a cashless manner.
Last year, at least 70 thousand Ukrainians used the program.
Certification of sailors
As part of our commitment to modernize and digitalize public services in Ukraine, our team, including Oleksandr Kubrakov and Yurii Vaskov, has successfully revamped the sailor certification process.
The innovative system now incorporates the globally recognized CES 6.0 test for all certifications and renewals. Seamlessly integrated into the Diia portal, sailors can conveniently access services using any device. By automating result processing, external influences are minimized, enhancing reliability.
Our primary goal was to fully digitize maritime certification services and mitigate the risk of corrupt practices. With the support of USAID and UKAID, we have streamlined processes, eliminated middlemen, and significantly reduced corruption vulnerabilities.
The introduction of the new State Register of Sailor Documents not only promotes transparency but also ensures traceability in certification processes. Already, digital services have been utilized over 100,000 times, underscoring the positive impact and efficiency of our digitalization efforts.
DREAM ecosystem case
The concept of a unified digital system for managing reconstruction emerged in the spring of 2022 and, through the collaborative efforts of the public, donors, and the Government of Ukraine, was publicly unveiled in May 2023.
DREAM (Digital Restoration EcoSystem for Accountable Management) is a transformative platform designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in Ukraine's reconstruction projects. By integrating real-time data from all stages of projects, DREAM enables stakeholders — including local governments and international investors — to track progress, manage risks, and make strategic decisions through user-friendly dashboards and management tools.
As a unified digital platform that combines existing state registries and systems, DREAM provides a single access point for comprehensive project data, promoting effective management and building investor confidence.
Digitalization of processes in road transport
A unified set of information systems in the field of land transport security was introduced, which allows for online registration of a road carrier with the issuance of a license.
eQueue
Due to the full-scale invasion, Ukraine's traditional logistics routes were disrupted, leading to blocked seaports and a significant shift of transportation loads to land corridors. This surge in land-based transportation resulted in congestion and long queues of trucks near EU entry points.
In response to this crisis, our team, comprising Oleksandr Kubrakov, Mustafa Nayem, and Andrii Ivko, initiated a project to manage vehicle queues at international checkpoints along Ukraine's border through the implementation of the electronic system "Electronic Border Crossing Queue" - eQueue.
The introduction of eQueue has enhanced transparency in border crossing procedures, facilitating smoother international freight and passenger transportation. Every step of the queue, from registration to border crossing, is meticulously recorded in the electronic system, mitigating the impact of individual vehicles on queue progression.
By May 2024, the system facilitated the crossing of more than 1 million buses and trucks at border checkpoints, underscoring its significant impact on improving border management efficiency and traffic flow.
Attracting financing
Projects with IFIs
Within the 2022 - 2024 our Team Consolidated Overview of Current IFI and Recovery Projects in Ukraine. Ukraine is undertaking a wide array of infrastructure recovery and development projects funded by International Financial Institutions (IFIs), which focus on multiple sectors including water supply, municipal infrastructure, transportation, and energy efficiency. These projects are critical for rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and aligning Ukraine’s public utilities with European standards. They also contribute significantly to Ukraine’s overall socio-economic recovery by improving public services and environmental sustainability.
The general management of the IFI portfolio implementation counted in billions of euros and dollars, namely the projects with the European banks were more than 1,3 bln € and the projects with the World Bank were more than $1 bln.
Over 277 subprojects have been approved and are under implementation through the Emergency Credit Program for the Recovery of Ukraine. These projects target vital municipal and social infrastructure in regions heavily affected by conflict, focusing on schools, healthcare facilities, and housing for internally displaced persons. This widespread program has already improved access to essential services in war-impacted areas.
Total project investments exceed €1 billion across multiple sectors, supported by IFI partners such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These funds have been allocated to priority infrastructure projects aimed at restoring urban services, enhancing energy efficiency, and modernizing public utilities.
Urban transport improvements include the purchase and modernization of hundreds of trams, buses, and trolleybuses, improving public transport capacity and reducing congestion in major cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Dnipro. These investments have directly contributed to enhanced mobility for millions of urban residents.
Furthermore, Ukraine’s Recovery and Reconstruction Programs have been expanded in response to the 2022 full-scale invasion, with increased emphasis on rebuilding critical infrastructure in regions that have received significant numbers of displaced persons. This includes health, education, and administrative infrastructure, as well as urgent projects in water supply and wastewater management to ensure basic services are maintained for affected communities.
These projects, supported by international loans, grants, and technical assistance, were managed by our team and are critical to stabilizing Ukraine’s infrastructure and ensuring long-term recovery. With continuous financial support and robust project management systems like DREAM, we ensured efficient use of funds, transparency in project implementation, and alignment with both national and international recovery priorities.
Eurobonds case
In 2021, with the participation of the Fund's team, the State Road Agency of Ukraine (Ukravtodor) placed Eurobonds on the London Stock Exchange for the first time under state guarantees. This transaction resulted in the placement of $700 mln at 6.25% for a 7-year term to upgrade road infrastructure. The series of bonds received a historically low rate compared to previous Ukrainian sovereign placements in US dollars. During the placement, Ukravtodor received applications for almost $2.4 bln, which is more than three times the planned issue volume. This demonstrated significant interest from the global financial market and confirmed confidence in Ukraine as a country and in its large infrastructure projects.
The Eurobond issue was organized by joint bookrunners and joint lead managers J.P. Morgan and Dragon Capital, with UkrEximBank JSC as co-manager.
Strategic Documents Development
Ukraine Economic Vision
Ukraine Economic Vision was initiated by Oleksandr Kubrakov during his work as Deputy Prime Minister for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. Negotiations with potential executors of the study continued from the summer of 2023. Boston Consulting Group was chosen as the executor of the study. This decision was made with the support and taking into account the vision of Penny Pritzker, who was serving as a special envoy for the economic recovery of Ukraine at that time. The study was commissioned and financed by the Ukrainian Infrastructure Association (UNITE), with sponsors from Ukrainian and international companies in the IT, construction, metallurgy, agricultural, logistics, and energy sectors.
The study spanned from December 2023 to August 2024. As a result, we have conducted an analysis of the Ukrainian economy and developed recommendations on priority areas for reforms and investments in a volume of 1,000 pages. The work also includes over 350 specific projects and initiatives aimed at transforming Ukraine's economy, as well as regional economic recovery strategies.
The strategy targets development across eight specific sectors: agriculture, metals and mining, energy, construction, IT services, green energy, and automotive industries. To achieve this growth, four critical enablers have been identified: people and workforce, financial institutions, logistics infrastructure, and telecommunications, all of which are vital for driving Ukraine’s future development.
A phased approach to the Vision prioritize critical initiatives, ensuring efficient resource allocation and addressing immediate needs. The Vision ensures that each area contributes effectively to Ukraine’s overall progress by aligning development strategies with regional strengths. Still successful implementation will rely on collaboration among public and private sectors, international donors, and financial institutions, supported by strong oversight, to transform Ukraine’s economic potential into tangible results and secure a prosperous future for its citizens.
State Strategy of Regional Development
The State Strategy for Regional Development serves as the primary planning document within the regional policy framework. The necessity for its revision stems from the challenges Ukraine encountered post full-scale invasion and the nation's new commitments in striving for EU candidate status.
The expert team, under the moderation of Oleksandra Azarkhina, conducted a thorough assessment of pre-conflict priorities, guaranteeing inclusivity in the evaluation process and integrating initiatives into the strategy document. They also managed coordination with the European Commission to validate the Strategy's alignment with EU legislation and strategic directives.
Approximately 300 experts contributed to the document across seven specialized groups encompassing environmental protection, security, e-governance, human capital, infrastructure, economy, and institutions. The establishment of a comprehensive discussion platform enabled diverse perspectives to be voiced, promoting a holistic, cross-sectoral approach.
The updated draft Strategy notably emphasizes the integration of digital solutions for effective implementation.
Municipal recovery plans and Complex recovery programs
Our team was tasked with developing a recovery approach for the country that employed a national prioritization framework while utilizing high-quality local data and aligning with the strategic vision and priorities of local governments.
To fulfill this mandate, we undertook efforts to introduce municipal statistics in Ukraine and laid the groundwork for the creation of two essential planning documents.
These include the simplified Recovery Plan, tailored for the most affected communities, and the Comprehensive Recovery Program. The latter delves into a profound analysis of socio-economic conditions and spatial planning within territorial communities.
Strategy for thermal modernization of buildings
The long-term strategy for the thermal modernization of buildings until 2050, alongside the operational plan for its execution between 2024-2026, aims to establish a framework for the consistent implementation of policies aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings. This strategy is geared towards bolstering Ukraine's energy independence, enhancing the well-being and health of its population, alleviating energy poverty, generating employment opportunities, as well as advancing the energy efficiency of buildings and driving the decarbonization of the national building infrastructure.
Kyiv Transport Strategy
In 2014, the Kyiv Transport Development Strategy was jointly created with the World Bank, with the key decision being a comprehensive solution to reorganize the ground transportation network in the capital of Ukraine.
The strategy outlines the main issues of Kyiv, including the quality and routes of public transport, transfers, parking facilities, and bus stations.
One of the primary objectives is to enhance the quality of transportation services for passengers by elevating the standards of carriers' operations. The project is expected to culminate in an investment program for Kyiv's transportation sector.
Ukraine Donor Platform
The Donor Platform was established to coordinate support for Ukraine's immediate financial needs, reconstruction and future economic recovery from a variety of sources and established financing instruments. The Steering Committee of the Platform consists of senior officials from Ukraine, the G7 countries and the European Union. Senior officials from the United States, the European Commission, and Ukraine co-chaired the Steering Committee - Oleksandr Kubrakov, Vice Prime Minister for Recovery of Ukraine and Minister of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure, Mike Pyle, Deputy National Economic Advisor for International Economics, on behalf of the United States, and Gertjan Koopman, Director-General, Directorate-General for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, on behalf of the European Union.
Grain Deal Facilitation
The full-scale Russian military invasion brought the deep-water ports of the Black Sea to a complete standstill. Since Ukraine has historically been an agrarian and export-oriented country, the disruption of the rhythmic supply of grain caused prices on world markets to rise rapidly. This trend could lead to the potential starvation of at least 50 million people, mostly in Africa and the Middle East.
During months of negotiations, the team led by Oleksandr Kubrakov and Yuriy Vaskov succeeded in reopening three deep-water ports on the Black Sea for grain exports, as well as organizing a comprehensive grain shipment process and a fair order of ship calls.
Following Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea initiative, our team spearheaded efforts to ensure the continuity of maritime trade through a new endeavor - the Ukrainian Humanitarian Corridor. The establishment of this corridor was made feasible through the collaborative efforts of the Ukrainian defense forces, intelligence operations conducted by Ukraine and its allies, and the unwavering commitment of numerous entrepreneurs who placed their trust in this alternative trade route.
