Support for frontline communities is based on the needs of people and the community: Oleksii Kuleba

The Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba chaired a coordination meeting with leaders of frontline communities, heads of regional military administrations, Members of Parliament, and representatives of ministries to update the Frontline Territories Support Programme.

The meeting heard from deputy ministers who, on the instruction of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, conducted working visits to frontline communities. Key public demands were identified to shape the next support package.

“Frontline communities live under the difficult conditions of constant shelling. People need heating, housing, access to healthcare and education, and opportunities to work and live in their communities. We are working together with local authorities to ensure support measures are concrete and tailored to each area,” stated Oleksii Kuleba.

Main directions shaping the new support package:

• Energy resilience and the heating season.

Protection of energy facilities is being strengthened, backup power options are being expanded, and fuel reserves in communities are being increased. This is preparation for winter and long-term infrastructure strain.

• Housing and reconstruction.

The remote mechanism for surveying damaged housing for compensation in shelled communities is being improved. Separate efforts are addressing the maintenance of evacuation routes, social facilities, and communal systems.

• Healthcare and education.

Maternity and paediatric hospital wards will receive equipment. Schools will get generators, charging stations, and options to continue the learning process during air raids. An approach to retaining teaching staff is being developed.

• Local economy and jobs.

A compensation mechanism for war risks for small and medium-sized businesses in frontline communities has been launched. Enterprises can receive up to UAH 10 million for property damaged or destroyed due to attacks. Additional support under lending and leasing programmes is also being developed.

• Social infrastructure for youth and sport.

The cadre of trainers and youth centre coordinators is being expanded. The restoration of sports spaces is viewed as an element of community resilience. An example is Borodianka, where the renovated Urban Park has become a hub for teenagers and youth. This approach is being scaled.

The next stage is finalising the new support package in collaboration with communities to ensure it is tied to the real living conditions of people in frontline areas.