Ukraine to Top Global Rankings for Development Aid in 2025

Olga Zykova Joins OECD Conference

According to Мінфін: Ukraine’s Deputy Finance Minister, Olga Zykova, participated virtually in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) conference held in Paris on May 11–12. The event, titled 'The Future of Development Cooperation: Shaping Strategic Directions,' provided a platform for her to stress that security and economic progress must advance simultaneously.

According to OECD projections, Ukraine is set to become the world’s largest recipient of official development assistance allocated to a single country in 2025. Zykova argued that security is a prerequisite for growth, yet sustainable security cannot exist without development. She emphasized that the old approach-first establishing security, then pursuing development-is no longer viable.

Development Funding and Reform Efforts

Zykova also highlighted how development financing serves as a critical tool for resilience during wartime. Ukraine has reshaped its use of official development aid, channeling it not only into post-destruction reconstruction but also into maintaining state functions amid ongoing attacks. A key part of her address was underscoring that reforms continue even during the conflict.

• Public finance management reforms
• Anti-corruption policies
• Digitalization of government services
• Tax and customs modernization
• European integration efforts

Zykova’s participation in the OECD conference underscores the vital role of international support for Ukraine during the war. Her focus on the interconnected development of security and the economy signals a shift in how the country is addressing its challenges. Sustaining reforms in a time of crisis is essential for ensuring Ukraine’s long-term stability and growth.