On February 24, 2022, as Russian forces launched their full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Oleksandr Bornyakov, the country’s Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, drove through the chaos of Kyiv, witnessing a gun battle between Russian saboteurs and Ukrainian security forces. Burning cars, armored vehicles, and fallen bodies marked the streets, yet Bornyakov’s mission was clear: relocate hundreds of kilometers west to ensure the continuity of Ukraine’s digital transformation. Despite the war’s devastation, Ukraine has not only persevered but emerged as one of the world’s most advanced digital nations, thanks to its innovative Diia app. With 22.7 million users and a robust digital infrastructure, Ukraine has redefined government services, offering everything from driver’s licenses to marriage applications on a single platform. This blog explores how Ukraine, amid conflict and crisis, became a global leader in digital governance, surpassing even tech-savvy nations like Estonia.
The Rise of Diia: A Digital Revolution
At the heart of Ukraine’s digital success is Diia, an app launched in 2019 under Bornyakov’s leadership. The Ukrainian word for “action,” Diia was designed to streamline government services, allowing citizens to access essential documents and processes from their smartphones. Starting with driver’s licenses, the app quickly gained traction, but its popularity soared during the COVID-19 pandemic when Ukraine added digital COVID certificates. “This gave another maybe two or three million people,” Bornyakov noted, as millions downloaded Diia to manage their health records.
Today, Diia offers 40 government services, including tax payments, car registrations, and even marriage applications. The app hosts 30 digital documents, such as gun licenses and car insurance, which Bornyakov proudly showcased. Beyond practical functions, Diia has added engaging features, like allowing Ukrainians to vote for Eurovision jury members and national representatives. A complementary web portal provides 130 additional services for citizens and businesses, making government interaction seamless. With 22.7 million users—roughly half of Ukraine’s population—Diia has become a cornerstone of daily life, even as the war rages on.
A Workforce Built for Innovation
Ukraine’s digital leap didn’t happen by chance. The country’s secret weapon is its vast pool of talent: approximately 300,000 software developers, many with experience working on complex projects for global companies. For two decades, Ukraine has been a hub for IT outsourcing, attracting firms seeking skilled yet cost-effective engineers. “There’s a lot of technical and experienced engineers that can do brilliant things,” Bornyakov said. This expertise allowed Ukraine to develop Diia for an estimated $5 to $10 million—a fraction of what it would cost in countries like the UK, where hiring developers could be five to ten times more expensive.
This skilled workforce, combined with a government committed to digitalization, enabled Ukraine to build a platform that rivals the best in the world. Bornyakov claims Ukraine has outpaced Estonia, a nation often celebrated for its digital government, in both user numbers and innovation. He also pointed to Saudi Arabia as a comparable leader, but few countries match Ukraine’s ability to deliver such a comprehensive digital ecosystem under the strain of war and economic challenges.
Thriving Through Crisis
The question on many minds is how Ukraine managed to advance its digital infrastructure while facing a global pandemic and a brutal invasion. The answer lies in a combination of resilience, strategic vision, and necessity. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Diia’s adoption, as citizens needed quick access to health documents. When Russia invaded in 2022, the government doubled down on digitalization to maintain services despite widespread displacement and infrastructure damage. Bornyakov’s team worked tirelessly, even from safer regions, to ensure Diia remained operational and continued to expand.
The war also highlighted Diia’s practical value. With physical government offices under threat, the app became a lifeline for Ukrainians, allowing them to access critical services remotely. From renewing passports to filing taxes, Diia ensured that bureaucracy didn’t grind to a halt. The platform’s versatility—handling everything from legal documents to cultural events like Eurovision voting—has kept it relevant and user-friendly, fostering trust in a time of uncertainty.
A Model for the World
Ukraine’s digital transformation offers lessons for nations worldwide. By leveraging a talented and cost-effective IT workforce, the country built a platform that is both affordable and cutting-edge. The government’s commitment to digitalization, even in the face of existential threats, demonstrates how technology can empower citizens and strengthen resilience. Diia’s success is not just about convenience; it’s about creating a system that adapts to crisis, whether it’s a pandemic, war, or economic hardship.
Bornyakov’s vision extends beyond Ukraine’s borders. He believes Diia’s model could inspire other nations to rethink how they deliver government services. By prioritizing accessibility and user experience, Ukraine has shown that digital governance can be inclusive and efficient, even in the most challenging circumstances. The app’s growth to 22.7 million users in just a few years is a testament to its impact, positioning Ukraine as a global leader in a field where innovation is often slow to take root.
The Road Ahead
As Ukraine continues to fend off Russian aggression, Diia remains a symbol of the country’s defiance and ingenuity. The app is still evolving, with plans to add more services and enhance security to protect against cyberattacks—a constant threat in a nation at war. Bornyakov and his team are undeterred, driven by the belief that technology can help rebuild a stronger, more connected Ukraine. For millions of users, Diia is more than an app; it’s a lifeline that keeps the nation moving forward, one digital step at a time.
In a world where bureaucracy often frustrates, Ukraine’s Diia stands out as a beacon of progress. From the chaos of Kyiv’s streets to the quiet efficiency of a smartphone screen, Ukraine has proven that even in the darkest times, innovation can light the way.
Disclaimer and Source
The information in this blog is based on statements from Oleksandr Bornyakov and reports about Ukraine’s Diia app as of June 17, 2025. The content reflects the author’s interpretation of events and does not represent official statements or positions of any government or organization.
Source: Summarized from interviews with Oleksandr Bornyakov and news coverage of Ukraine’s digital transformation efforts, as of June 17, 2025.
