In August 2026, the state enterprise "Ukrposhta" announced the launch of a major infrastructure project aimed at digitizing and improving the convenience of postal services for the population. The company's General Director, Igor Smelyansky, confirmed that under this new initiative, 1,000 new outdoor smart lockers (postomat) will be manufactured and installed. This program represents a significant step in the development of the country's logistics network, providing 24/7 access to postal services right at the entrances of residential buildings.
Placement Strategy and Priority Cities
The key difference of this installation wave from previous ones is the focus on residential zones. Priority will be given to locations near apartment buildings, residential complexes, and in the residential districts of major cities. First and foremost, the project will be implemented in Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, Dnipro, and other regional centers. The goal is to bring the service as close as possible to the end user, reducing the time spent on receiving parcels and sending correspondence. This solution is designed to relieve pressure on traditional post offices and increase logistical efficiency given the high load on courier services.
Technical Features and Functionality
The new structures, produced by "Ukrposhta" in partnership with the company "Modern-Expo," are multifunctional terminals. Unlike standard pick-up lockers, the new smart lockers are equipped with specialized slots for sending letters. This allows users not only to pick up parcels but also to send documents or letters at any time of day without needing to visit a post office. The integration of the sending function turns the device into a fully autonomous post office operating 24/7.
Interaction Mechanism with Property Management Companies
To implement the project, "Ukrposhta" has launched a procedure for collecting applications from representatives of HOAs (Housing Owners' Associations), property management companies, and residential complex administrations. The approval process includes several stages: submitting an application via the official website, location verification by postal specialists, assessing the technical feasibility of installation, and agreeing on cooperation terms. Igor Smelyansky noted that the demand for smart locker installation significantly exceeds the current plan of 1,000 units, indicating high demand for the service from residents and developers.
Network Development and Prospects
Currently, more than 277 smart lockers are already operational in Ukraine, installed in the Odesa region, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, and Mykolaiv, among others. The launch of a new thousand devices will be a significant expansion of this network. According to the General Director, the company will not stop at this figure and plans further purchases, as well as expanding the network through partner terminals. Parallel to infrastructure development, "Ukrposhta" continues to simplify administrative procedures; in particular, it has abolished the requirement to provide an RNOKPP (tax ID) for payments up to 5,000 UAH, which also stimulates the use of digital and autonomous service channels.
