By Bulletin Times 
EBRD Launches €110 Million Initiative to Revive Ukraine’s War-Risk Insurance.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced an ambitious €110 million guarantee program to reignite war-risk reinsurance for inland transport in Ukraine. Designed to inject life into Ukraine’s strained insurance sector, the scheme could facilitate coverage for over €1 billion worth of goods and vehicles in transit each year—a critical step to bolster the country’s economy as it navigates the prolonged conflict with Russia.
This innovative program, developed in partnership with global reinsurance giant Aon, seeks to engage international reinsurers that have largely distanced themselves from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. By covering local losses, the initiative allows Ukrainian insurers such as INGO, Colonnade, and UNIQA to shift some of their risk exposure, enabling them to expand their coverage offerings. Additionally, international reinsurer MS Amlin has joined the donor-backed effort, adding credibility and support to the plan.
Francis Malige, EBRD’s Managing Director for Financial Institutions, highlighted the pressing need for the facility, stating, “This initiative is about making insurance accessible again. Ukraine’s insurance market is under immense strain, and we’re working to jumpstart it.” The program focuses on inland cargo, motor vehicle damage, and railway rolling stock—areas deemed insurable—while avoiding fixed assets like energy infrastructure, which have been frequent targets of Russian attacks.
Currently, Ukraine has a government-supported marine war insurance scheme, but elevated premiums and unpredictable risks have hindered other war-risk insurance programs from gaining traction. By addressing these challenges, the EBRD’s guarantee aims to provide a lifeline for Ukraine’s transport and trade sectors, fostering resilience and economic recovery in the face of adversity.
This initiative marks another milestone in international efforts to stabilize Ukraine’s economy and create pathways for sustainable growth amid ongoing challenges.