Ukraine’s legislative body has taken initial steps toward addressing the urgent need for the renovation of aging residential buildings, particularly the so-called “Khrushchyovkas,” which are prevalent in urban areas. A law aimed at facilitating this renovation has passed its first reading but requires further refinement before implementation.
Oлена Шуляк, a member of parliament and head of the Committee on State Power, highlighted the deteriorating condition of the housing stock in major cities during a recent broadcast. She noted that prior to the onset of the war, efforts were underway to establish a legal framework for the renovation of these outdated structures, drawing inspiration from successful models in the Baltic states and Germany. However, the ongoing conflict has significantly altered these plans.
The proposed legislation, while approved in principle, necessitates comprehensive adjustments. Shulyak emphasized the importance of considering energy efficiency, economic viability, and the technical condition of the buildings in the legislative process. A critical aspect of the renovation initiative is determining who will have the authority to decide on the relocation of residents and the subsequent construction of new buildings.
Shulyak pointed out that obtaining consent from a substantial portion of current residents is essential for any demolition and reconstruction to proceed. This requirement often complicates the renovation process, as dissenting voices can hinder consensus, even among those who generally support the initiative. Additionally, the logistics of temporarily relocating residents pose significant challenges.
Currently, the issue of renovation is not a top priority for many cities, including Kyiv and Dnipro, where numerous Khrushchyovkas are deemed structurally unsound. Shulyak urged urban planners to prepare for future renovation programs by identifying which buildings will be targeted in upcoming projects.
She indicated that once conditions become more favorable in terms of safety and financial resources, cities will be better positioned to implement these renovation plans. The urgency of addressing the aging housing stock is underscored by the fact that many of these buildings have surpassed their intended lifespan, with the average operational period for five-story Khrushchyovkas having ended around 2010.
Architect Валентин Погорілий, a member of the National Union of Architects of Ukraine, noted that while both Khrushchyovkas and Stalinist-era buildings were constructed from brick, the latter were built to higher standards, resulting in longer lifespans. Khrushchyovkas were primarily erected from the 1950s onward to meet the post-World War II housing demand.
Ukraine's parliament is addressing the urgent need for renovating aging residential buildings, particularly Khrushchyovkas, with a law that has passed its first reading. However, logistical and legislative challenges remain, complicating the process of modernizing the housing stock amid ongoing conflict.