During the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026 in Poland's coastal city of Gdańsk, documents were signed to begin the practical phase of saving St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv - one of the most important neo-Gothic churches in the CEE region.
According to Maria-Teresa Szybanowa, a member of the church's guardianship council, the initiative will help swiftly begin the renovations - and secure the funding to do so.
The agreement between the parish and a Polish construction company Polimex Mostostal SA, signed at the URC 2026, is valued at approximately one million Euro. It is of key importance to the renovation plan - as it secures the provision of scaffolding and equipment needed to carry out the most urgent work. Furthermore, these resources will be provided for an indefinite period, until the renovation is complete - and the Polish side will participate in costs.
A letter of intent was also signed in Gdańsk between Poland's Polimex Mostostal SA and PZU SA insurance company, regarding the establishment of an international initiative group for the "Coalition to Save St. Nicholas Church in Kyiv" project. Its goal is to bring together further global partners to help the renovation of the historic monument.
PZU SA CEO Bogdan Benczak emphasized that this Polish company has been present in the Ukrainian market for over 20 years - and sees its support for the church's reconstruction as part of its commitment to preserving Polish history and culture in Ukraine. He also noted that the church is covered by PZU Ukraine insurance.
Wojciech Balczun, Poland's Minister of State Assets, also attended the signing ceremony. He said that St. Nicholas Church is a symbol of the long-standing ties between Poles and Ukrainians and a history worth preserving.
St. Nicholas is a neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church located in the center of Kyiv. It was designed by Władysław Horodecki, and built between 1899 and 1909. For decades, it was one of the most important places for the city's Catholic community, including the Poles and people of Polish descent living in the city.
In 1936, the church was closed by the Soviet authorities, and its premises were used for commercial purposes. After Ukraine regained independence, the Catholic community spent years seeking the church's return. Only in early January 2026 was the iconic building (in dire need of repair, also caused by the recent Russian shellings and airstrikes) transferred to the parish for use for 50 years.
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Source: PAP, IAR