Oleksii Kuleba presents concept of support programme for frontline areas in Sumy region

In Sumy region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with heads of territorial communities in the region to discuss challenges faced by frontline areas.

Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Oleksii Kuleba, attended the event. He presented the concept of a support programme for frontline regions, currently being developed by the Government.

The programme envisages comprehensive support for communities living under constant threat, focusing on three main areas: people, businesses, and local self-government.

“Sumy region is one of the key regions whose experience is shaping our new policy for supporting frontline areas. This is not about one-off solutions but a long-term model that includes new tools for people, communities, and businesses,” said Oleksii Kuleba.

The Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration explained that for people staying in or returning to their communities, the programme will include salary increases for public sector workers, such as teachers, healthcare workers, childcare providers, and local government officials.

It also plans to expand access to subsidies, utility bill compensations, and preferential mortgages. Separate measures include introducing free school meals and preferential university admissions for young people from frontline areas.

For communities, funding will be provided to build shelters, secure schools, and critical infrastructure facilities. The development of Ministry of Internal Affairs projects, such as community police officers and rescue officers, will continue. Communities will also receive support to modernise municipal services and implement local projects.

For businesses operating in high-risk conditions, the programme includes preferential loans, insurance tools, interest rate compensations, and recovery grants. The Government is working on a mechanism allowing relocated businesses to choose the community where they pay taxes. Additionally, discussions are underway to increase the quota of reserved workers for enterprises in frontline regions.

During the meeting with communities, issues such as a differentiated alert system, preparations for the autumn-winter period, and support for basic infrastructure, healthcare, and education networks were also raised.

All proposals and requests from communities are being considered during the programme’s finalisation. Once consultations are complete, the model will be presented by the Government.