Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said that more than $10 billion is needed to rebuild the damaged city due to Russian attacks that have destroyed almost all of its energy infrastructure. He noted that no city budget can withstand such a burden, so the city is looking for support from international partners.

Terekhov emphasized that Russian attacks are not limited to military targets, but also target civilian infrastructure, which he calls “a real genocide.” Every day the city is hit by attacks on residential buildings, offices and other critical infrastructure.

Despite the difficult situation, local businesses are contributing to the city’s recovery. For example, thanks to cooperation with construction companies and international funds, the city has already completed the construction of an underground school for 450 students.

The mayor also noted that, together with the military, the State Emergency Service, and IT specialists, they are developing their own airborne alarm system to ensure the safety of the city’s residents.