“Side by side”: frontline communities will feel even more help from the rear
31 January 2025 17:42
The government is launching a pilot project to strengthen cooperation between communities. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The resolution adopted by the government envisages the introduction of the concept of “outpost community” – these are communities located within a 100-kilometer zone from the contact line, as well as from the border with Russia.
“The goal of this project is to involve as many rear-guard communities as possible in supporting outpost communities. This can be done through the conclusion of special agreements that will provide humanitarian, social, medical, logistical, financial and other assistance,” the Prime Minister said.
He emphasized that this decision is a continuation of the policy of unity and mutual assistance, and reminded that this year the National Unifying Platform of Cohesive Communities “Side by Side” was formed.
Oleksiy Kuleba, Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Communities and Territories Development, said that 111 communities have already amalgamated within the first stage, signing memorandums of cooperation and developing joint action plans. The next stage, he said, involves the involvement of another 150 communities, and the final goal is to provide partner support for each community outpost.
There are currently 1,469 territorial communities in Ukraine – cities, towns, and villages that have united to be stronger together.
Frontline communities are already accepting partners
Study visits have begun as part of the “Side by Side: Cohesive Communities” project: 14 rear-guard communities visited the frontline communities of Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts.
Ivano-Frankivsk supports Kupiansk
on January 12, the mayor of Kupiansk, Andriy Besedin, met with the mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ruslan Martsinkiv.
The two communities signed a memorandum of cooperation in December 2024. It envisages joint efforts to restore the Kupianske community, rebuild housing and social infrastructure, and provide other assistance.
Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv handed over the aid to the military and residents of Kupiansk. Ukrainian defenders received drones, generators, office equipment, and the community received food.
Partner communities visited Sumy region
Seven rear-guard communities met with representatives of local authorities in Sumy Oblast to discuss implemented initiatives and plans for the future. The Yunakivska, Myropilska, Khotynska, Esmanska, Shalyhinska, Novoslobidska and Sumska communities cooperate with partners from Ternopil, Volyn, Vinnytsia, Lviv and Rivne regions. Together, they help people, support IDPs, and plan to rebuild destroyed infrastructure.
Lviv in Kharkiv: about experience and new ideas
For two days, representatives of Lviv and Kharkiv discussed issues important to both communities: restoration and development of urban infrastructure, energy efficiency, youth policy and European integration, and implementation of the Smart City concept. The Lviv delegation visited the Center for New Culture “Some People”, the European Innovation Hub, the Metro School, the Saltiv Tram Depot, and other key facilities in Kharkiv. Particular attention was paid to the safety of citizens: they discussed the work of shelters, inspected damaged buildings and safe bus stops.
The Savynets and Novoyavoriv communities also cooperate within the framework of the “Side by Side: United Communities” initiative. The heads of the communities met at a mayors’ summit, followed by calls, agreements, a signed memorandum and concrete plans for the future.
Chernihiv Oblast also welcomed guests
Rear-guard communities from Poltava, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia and Kyiv oblasts came to the north to support the outpost communities as well. They visited Chernihiv, Novhorod-Siversk, Semenivka and Koryukivka communities.
For example, Semenivtsi is only 9 km from the border with Russia – the Bershad community, a partner from Vinnytsia region, will help with building materials to restore the damaged.
Partners from Poltava and Chernihiv are launching a “Veterans’ Space Opportunity Map” so that those returning from the war can receive psychological, legal, and social support.
Izyum has already experienced partner assistance
As part of the project “Side by Side: Cohesive Communities,” representatives of Vinnytsia and Lviv communities visited Izyum to assess the extent of the destruction and support local residents. The town, located 40 kilometers from the front line, has suffered significant damage – schools, a library and other important facilities that need to be rebuilt.
The Khmelnytsky community has already extended a helping hand: Izyum received an excavator to rebuild its infrastructure and UAH 1.5 million to repair its local library.
The Vinnytsia community has been supporting Balakliia, in the Kharkiv region, since 2022. This visit was another confirmation that they stand side by side in the most difficult times.
Rivne Oblast will help Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
The Hoshcha community has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Shyrokivska rural territorial community. It provides for support in the restoration of destroyed housing and social infrastructure, as well as humanitarian aid.
