On 28 October 2025, at its 49th session, the Congress underlined that Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction cannot wait for the end of the war. In a debate marked by powerful interventions from Ukrainian leaders, the Congress reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Ukraine and its commitment to supporting local authorities who continue to deliver services, rebuild communities, and defend European values in the face of the ongoing Russian aggression.
Oleksii Kuleba, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration and Minister for Development of Communities and Territories, participating online, thanked the Congress and its members for their steadfast solidarity. “Russia is trying to push us into darkness before the winter comes,” he warned, noting that over 100 attacks on energy infrastructure had occurred since the start of the year. He highlighted the crucial role of co-operation between local and central authorities, and the support of international partners, to overcome war-related challenges. He further stressed that frozen Russian assets must be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Vitaliy Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv and President of the Association of Ukrainian Cities, called for unity and continued European support. The mayor described the severe impact of the war on municipalities, recalling that 55 mayors had been kidnapped since the invasion, and called for continued co-operation between European cities to rebuild infrastructure and strengthen democracy. “Peace and stability in Europe depend on Ukraine’s strength. Inside our country we must remain united and do everything in our hands to defend our shared European values and achieve a just peace. But we need your help,” he underlined.
Mayor of Lviv Andriy Sadovyi focused on the resilience of Ukraine’s local communities and the central role of education in rebuilding the nation. He highlighted initiatives such as the UNBROKEN University and the Ukrainian Leadership Academy, created to train the new generation of specialists for Ukraine’s recovery. “Education is key for the development of Ukraine after the war,” Sadovyi affirmed. “We must build our victory together,” he added, thanking the audience for the support received.
Through its ongoing work and the newly adopted Declaration towards a just peace in Ukraine, the Congress reaffirmed that a lasting peace must go hand in hand with accountability, reconstruction, and the strengthening of local democracy.
Mediabox interview with Vitaliy Klitschko
Mediabox interview with Andriy Sadovyi
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49e Session
Ordre du jour – Dossier Web – Photos
