On 17 December 2025, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a Resolution on the Statement on the occasion of Local Self-Government Day in Ukraine in the context of armed aggression by the russian federation.

The document aims to draw the attention of the international community to russia’s systematic violations of international law in temporarily occupied territories. These violations include the persecution, arbitrary detention and conviction of civilians; the illegal detention of local government officials; forced passportisation; deportations; and restrictions on freedoms. The Statement calls for the strengthening of international political, financial, and legal support for Ukraine in order to protect the population, rebuild communities, release prisoners, and de-occupy territories.

The document emphasises the crucial role of local governments in maintaining community functioning in conditions of full-scale war, and in countering the aggressor. It specifically notes that occupying authorities are deliberately destroying local self-government as an institution. Furthermore, more than 50 local council representatives and community leaders are still being held captive by russia.

The Statement also sets out Ukraine’s priorities for local self-government during wartime, emphasising the importance of continuing decentralisation reform and strengthening the capacity of communities.

Ukrainian MP Vitalii Bezgin noted that ‘the text highlights the effectiveness of all-Ukrainian associations of local governments <...> as platforms for promoting decentralisation initiatives within the country and the Ukrainian agenda on the international stage. It also emphasises the importance of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine as a platform for regular dialogue between the President, central and local authorities, thereby strengthening the position of local governments and ensuring their involvement in the preparation and implementation of national decisions.’

The adoption of this Statement will help to mobilise international assistance for reconstruction, strengthen cooperation with European and global institutions, and reaffirm Ukraine’s commitment to democratic reforms, including decentralisation, despite the ongoing full-scale war.