At its 50th session, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe held a comprehensive debate on the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Focusing on a strategic approach to supporting recovery and reconstruction at the local and regional levels, the Congress adopted a new resolution underscoring the indispensable role of local and regional authorities in this respect.
The debate featured powerful testimonies from Ukrainian officials, who emphasised both the resilience stemming from municipalities and the urgent need for direct, decentralised support from European partners.
Oleksandr Korniyenko, First Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, addressed the plenary by highlighting the profound human cost of the war, noting the millions displaced and the systematic human rights violations by the Russian Federation, including the deportation of children and torture. “Our nation will never forget your help, hospitality and support throughout these past years,” he expressed to the members of the Congress.
“Today, as we mark Bucha Liberation Day and commemorate the victims of these atrocities, we are reminded that Bucha is also a powerful symbol of local resistance,” added Mr Korniyenko. “This is a war against our identity, our communities, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. As our local authorities stand at the forefront of this defence, we must ensure that every community has a role in making recovery and reconstruction fair and transparent.”
Vitalii Bezghin, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Administrative and Territorial Set-Up and Local Self-Government of the Verkhovna Rada, echoed Mr Korniyenko’s call for robust municipal partnerships. He warned against the pervasive threat of Russian propaganda and made an urgent plea for the return of abducted children and prisoners of war. Mr Bezghin also stressed that Ukrainian municipalities are not merely seeking assistance, but have crucial knowledge to offer their European counterparts.
“Despite the devastating reality of a full-scale war, Ukraine remains firmly on track with its local self-government reforms and democratic progress,” Mr Bezghin emphasised. “By defending our homeland, Ukraine is defending all Europeans. We call for joint partnerships to strengthen co-operation at the local level, where our communities are ready to share their unique, hard-won experiences in emergency response and civil-military co-operation.”
The resilience of these communities was further highlighted in a video message by Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Development of Communities and Territories. He referred to frontline communities as security valves for the defence of Ukraine and all of Europe, noting that “Ukrainian municipalities continue to provide essential services, care for their citizens, and even plan for the future amidst the war – this is a unique experience that Ukraine can share.” He also pointed out that Ukraine recovery is already ongoing, Ukraine fights and recovers at the same time. The Congress strategy on recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine at local and regional levels adopted today is pertinent in the short and in the long-term, it can be implemented from now and will remain useful once a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine is restored.
***
