On Thursday, 26 June 2025, the Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reviewed the latest report by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin on the implementation of the resolution "Assistance and Support to Ukraine for the Reconstruction of Its Telecommunication Sector", adopted by consensus in July 2023.

The report:

• Recognizes the extensive impact of Russian aggression on Ukraine’s telecommunications infrastructure, underscoring the need for coordinated international efforts to address the resulting damage and losses;
• Identifies Ukraine’s key priorities in rebuilding and modernizing its telecom sector, including ensuring access to mobile services for the population, restoring damaged broadcasting infrastructure, deploying 5G networks, strengthening cybersecurity, and enhancing human capital through training and technical assistance.

During the session, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative in Geneva delivered a joint statement on behalf of 42 countries (26 EU Member States, excluding Hungary, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and others). The statement highlighted the devastating consequences of ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s telecommunications sector and noted the broader impact on the country’s digital and media ecosystems. As of December 2024, the estimated damages exceeded USD 2.24 billion, with additional economic losses of over USD 2.38 billion. The overall recovery and reconstruction needs are projected at USD 5.86 billion over the next ten years.

The statement also expressed sincere gratitude to the ITU and its member states for their continued assistance and called for further strengthening of international support.

A number of delegations voiced their support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russian aggression, including Poland (on behalf of 26 EU Member States, excluding Hungary), Sweden (on behalf of the Baltic and Nordic countries), the United Kingdom, Canada, the Czech Republic, and France.

In line with the adopted decision, the ITU will continue to provide technical assistance, coordinate international efforts, and mobilize resources to support Ukraine in rebuilding and advancing its telecommunications sector.

Background:
The State University of Information and Communication Technologies (SUICT) is the only higher education institution in Ukraine that has represented the academic community in the ITU since 2016. The International Telecommunication Union, with a history of over 160 years, plays a key role in developing global standards and recommendations in the field of information and communication technologies. Membership in the ITU provides Ukrainian universities with access to academic mobility programs, opportunities for joint research, and participation in the development of international standards aligned with degree programs — fostering deeper integration into the global academic and scientific community.