Head of the Kherson Oblast Military Administration (OMA) Oleksandr Prokudin and Susanna Dellans, Polaris Team Leader and SALAR International Representative in Ukraine, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Kherson OMA and the Polaris Programme.

The document outlines joint efforts across several key areas aimed at the recovery and sustainable development of the region. In particular, the parties agreed to support the Kherson OMA in strategic development planning, including preparatory work to update the Kherson Region Development Strategy for 2021–2027 and to lay the groundwork for drafting a new Strategy for 2028–2034. In addition, they will cooperate to ensure the sustainability of public service delivery, including in the context of crisis response and contribute to the systematic, sustainable, and comprehensive recovery of the oblast.

“We have reached important agreements with Sweden, formalised by the signing of a memorandum on further cooperation, to be implemented within the Polaris “Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine”. This concerns support for strategic and spatial planning for the development of Kherson Oblast’s hromadas and the comprehensive recovery of the region. For us, this is a key priority. We are deeply grateful for the readiness to stand with us through the most difficult times,” – emphasised Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the Kherson OMA.

Susanna Dellans, Polaris Team Leader and SALAR International Representative in Ukraine, stressed that the signing of the Memorandum marks an important step in strengthening the partnership between the Polaris Programme and Kherson Oblast: “We see in Kherson Oblast a strong partner committed to developing effective governance despite challenging circumstances. Together, we will work on strategic regional planning and strengthening the capacity of local authorities.”

Sweden continues to consistently support Ukraine’s recovery, particularly in regions most affected by Russian aggression. In Kherson Oblast, this cooperation will focus on strategic planning, improving access to public services for residents, and enhancing the institutional capacity of local authorities.