Urban Regeneration and Post-War Recovery: Prospects for Sustainable Development in Ukraine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26906/znp.2026.66.4048Keywords:
urban regeneration, post-war reconstruction, sustainable development, integrated urban planning, Leipzig Charter, internally displaced persons, decentralization, demographic change, economic diversificationAbstract
This article examines the integration of urban regeneration strategies with the challenges of post-war reconstruction in Ukraine. Drawing on European experience, specifically the Leipzig Charter and related approaches, the paper highlights that effective recovery of war-damaged territories requires not only physical rebuilding of infrastructure but also comprehensive economic, social, and cultural revitalization. The analysis emphasizes the limitations of traditional “restore as before” models and argues for modern concepts such as compact cities, mixed-use development, and sustainable technologies. Special attention is paid to demographic shifts caused by the war, including depopulation, aging of the population, and the rise in the number of people with disabilities, which demand inclusive and adaptive planning. The essay also considers the potential of small and medium-sized towns, which may become new growth centers through the integration of internally displaced persons. Case studies from both European and Ukrainian contexts demonstrate that integrated strategies, that is combining participatory planning, decentralization of housing, and economic diversification, represent the most effective model for Ukraine’s long-term urban renewal.
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