Rebuilding Ukraine: Ukraine and South Korea advance high-speed rail project, discuss feasibility study for Kyiv–EU border route
Photo source: Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine
Ukraine and the Republic of Korea are advancing to the practical phase of developing a high-speed railway project, as the Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine has discussed the feasibility study for a route connecting Kyiv to the EU border.
According to Rubryka, citing the Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the ministry held a meeting with a delegation from the Republic of Korea to prepare a feasibility study for constructing a high-speed railway between Kyiv and Ukraine's border.
Deputy Minister of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Oleksii Balesta and representatives of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" (Ukrainian Railways) attended the meeting.
Photo source: Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine
The Korean side was represented by specialists from transport and engineering consulting organizations, the management of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) office in Ukraine, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Ukraine, Park Kichang.
During the meeting, the parties discussed:
- The current status of the project
- Further steps to attract consultants
- The strategic vision for the development of high-speed railway as a component of Ukraine's integration into the European Union transport network and post-war recovery.
Oleksii Balesta. Photo source: Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine
"Railway transport today is a true example of the country's resilience. However, even in wartime, it is important not only to maintain the system but also to lay the foundation for its future development and recovery.
We consider the development of high-speed railway not just as an infrastructure project, but as an important part of the reconstruction and long-term development of Ukrainian railways, the modernization of the country and its integration into the European transport space," Oleksii Balesta emphasized.
The project, implemented within the framework of grant assistance from the Government of the Republic of Korea, has a budget of 8 million US dollars and involves the preparation of a comprehensive feasibility study for the development of high-speed passenger rail in Ukraine.
Photo source: Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine
During the meeting, participants discussed practical steps for preparing the feasibility study. They identified key issues to be examined as part of the project, emphasizing the importance of aligning with TEN-T development plans to ensure that Ukraine's future high-speed rail infrastructure can be integrated into the pan-European transport system.
"The Republic of Korea sees many opportunities to be involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine. For us, it's not just about restoring what was destroyed, but also about shaping Ukraine's future. We understand well how difficult the path after a war is, because we ourselves went through restoration and transformation," emphasized South Korean Ambassador Park Kichang.
Photo source: Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine
The Ukrainian side emphasized its readiness for close coordination and work with partners.
Background
As reported, the first modern double-decker passenger car will be launched in Ukraine in 2026. In addition, the draft 2026 budget provides funds for the purchase of 100 modern cars.
It was also reported that construction of a Euro-gauge railway from the Polish border to Lviv will begin with support from the European Union Connecting Europe Facility program.
