Affordable Housing as a Weapon Against Emigration: What Frontline Cities Are Offering.

The Urgent Need for Affordable Housing in Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: Ihor Terekhov, head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities, has highlighted the critical role affordable housing must play in Ukraine's national strategy to encourage citizens to return. He pointed to the immense challenges Kharkiv currently faces during wartime. June 2026 proved to be one of the city's most difficult months, as it endured 142 enemy attacks that killed 12 people and wounded 122 others.

According to Terekhov, low-cost and accessible housing is a vital tool for curbing emigration, especially among internally displaced persons. He argues that Ukraine needs large-scale solutions similar to Italy's 'Fanfani Plan,' which once helped millions of Italians secure homes and served as a major driver of the country's economic growth.

“The 'Fanfani Plan' once helped millions of Italians get housing and became one of the engines of the country's economic development. Ukraine also needs solutions on this scale.” — Ihor Terekhov

He further stressed that recovery is not just about material things like concrete and bricks, but first and foremost about people and their families returning home.

“Recovery is not about concrete, bricks, and reports. Recovery is about the person. About the family coming back home.” — Ihor Terekhov

As a result, the issue of affordable housing has become extremely urgent in the context of bringing Ukrainians back and rebuilding cities damaged by the war.

Shaping a Strategy for Affordable Housing

Defining a clear strategy for affordable housing is a key task for Ukrainian authorities. This approach would not only encourage displaced people to return but also help stabilize the economic situation in war-affected regions. Rebuilding housing infrastructure could act as a catalyst for broader social and economic reforms essential for the country's overall recovery.