Despite hostilities in Ukraine caused by the Russian invasion, Polish and Ukrainian municipalities, including Rzeszów and Chernihiv, are establishing cooperation.

According to Ukrinform, this was stated by Kamil Czyż, Director of the Rzeszów Department of City Brands, Economic Cooperation and Tourism, at the Poland-Ukraine Local Solidarity Forum organised by the U-LEAD with Europe Programme.

“Next week we, are signing a Memorandum of Cooperation with our new Ukrainian sister city, Chernihiv. This city was badly damaged during the first month after the war... The main goal of this Memorandum is to rebuild the city,” said Kamil Chyż.

He said that Rzeszów has been accepting refugees from Ukraine since day one and more than a thousand volunteers have been working at the railway station every day. Furthermore, Rzeszów also provides humanitarian aid to various regions of Ukraine.

In turn, Oleksandr Markushyn, Mayor of Irpin, Kyiv region, empathised the need for international support for the postwar reconstruction of Ukraine. He also noted that the city of Irpin is already preparing projects for such reconstruction.

“Irpin will be unable to cope with the challenges of reconstruction, unable to rebuild using only its budget funds. Before the war, our city was prosperous: one of the richest small cities in Ukraine. It was a very beautiful pro-European city. Today it is very painful to see 50% of our city in ruins,” he said.

President of the Association of Polish Cities Zygmunt Frankiewicz noted that Polish society is uniting to help Ukraine, and cooperation between local governments of the two countries will only improve, particularly in the context of rebuilding Ukraine.

Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Viacheslav Nehoda noted that Poland is a leading supporter of Ukraine in the fight against the Russian Federation and thanked Poland for such a principled position. According to him, cooperation between Polish gminas and Ukrainian municipalities should boost economic activities to enable the creation of new jobs.

“Polish gminas and the Polish people fully support Ukraine and the citizens of our country in the struggle for freedom, recognising that this is the struggle for our common freedom and the common values ​​of a free, united Europe. Ukraine’s victory in this war will be a common victory for all those standing guard over peace, democracy and human values,” he said.

According to Tomasz Ostrapolski, Policy Officer of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, Ukrainian municipalities, which have become more capable through the decentralisation reform, are showing resilience even in times of war, and European countries will help rebuild Ukraine.

“During the reconstruction and restoration of Ukraine, municipalities will not be something ‘decorative’ but will be integrated and take an active part as pillars and catalysts for the restoration and development of the country,” he said.

According to Bastian Veigel, GIZ Programme Director of U-LEAD with Europe, U-LEAD provides critical tools to municipalities affected by Russian aggression and will support Ukraine’s further post-war reconstruction.

“We also continue to build bridges of trust and establish cooperation between the municipalities of Ukraine and those of the European Union... The partnership between local self-governments of Ukraine and Poland is a great example of trust, friendship and solidarity of the two countries,” he said.

Irpin was occupied in early March 2022. In early April, Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel and the entire Kyiv region were liberated from Russian invaders. In April and May, 250 municipalities in Ukraine received emergency aid from U-LEAD, which was useful in overcoming the effects of hostilities in the municipalities. In particular, generators, lighting fixtures, chainsaws and cutting machines needed for initial repairs related to the aftermath of hostilities were donated to the municipalities. The Programme also provides tents, camp beds, mats, sleeping bags, blankets, 1000 l tanks for drinking water, powerful generators, kits of essentials and hygiene products for shelters. In addition, experts of the Programme advise and provide clarifications on relevant legislation issues and continue to hold information sessions.