The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has endorsed a resolution introducing the pilot project "Shoulder to Shoulder: Cohesive Communities". Its mission is to strengthen cooperation between frontline "outpost communities" and partner communities in the rear. This solution is aimed at bolstering the unity of the country, overcoming the consequences of the war and supporting the livelihoods of communities facing the most difficult conditions.
The project envisages the creation of cooperation mechanisms that will help the outpost communities receive the necessary support: from humanitarian aid to infrastructure restoration, economic development and improved services for local residents.
"This project is about solidarity and mutual assistance. The outpost communities located within a 100-kilometre zone from the contact line or the border with russia can count on the support of rear partners in the form of humanitarian, social, medical, logistical and financial assistance. This can now be done through the conclusion of special agreements under which assistance will be provided. This will help to restore institutional capacity, support the livelihoods of communities, carry out restoration work and meet the basic needs of people.
As part of the first stage, 111 communities have already joined together, signing memoranda of cooperation and developing joint action plans. The next stage is to involve another 150 communities, and the final goal is to provide partner support for each outpost community. Together we are building a strong, united country,' said Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister for Communities and Territories Development.
The resolution also establishes the procedure for implementing the pilot project and the standard form of a memorandum of cooperation between communities. The project will involve territorial communities from all regions of Ukraine.