The all-out war has made changes to the tactics, but has not affected the strategy. Decentralisation has been and remains relevant. Because it is a reform for the future, for many generations of Ukrainians. This was emphasised by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in his speech at the Decentralisation Reform Conference.

"Extraordinary wartime challenges require our unity. We need a sense of a single team, mutual assistance and synergy of efforts. We see local self-government as a pillar of Ukrainian statehood, the foundation of our resilience, hope for a successful future of Ukraine among free European nations," the Head of Government noted.

As the Prime Minister stressed, the capacity of communities will determine the pace and quality of recovery, creation of development points for further growth. He noted that the Government expected communities to demonstrate the ability to create realistic projects and implement them, to work with international partners and take what they offer, to increase human capital: "If the community is interesting for people, it will have a future."

Denys Shmyhal also emphasised the main priority of ensuring victory. He called for postponing major projects and overhauls and instead focusing on the production of weapons, ammunition and everything necessary for the military.

"Another important aspect is community support for business. Local programmes are a priority here.

The priority here is local programmes for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, maximum deregulation, assistance in the training and retraining of qualified personnel, promotion of local products to enter new markets," the Head of Government noted.

The Prime Minister noted that the continuation of the decentralisation reform provided new opportunities. During the conference, the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development presented a roadmap for the decentralisation reform. According to Denys Shmyhal, it is about streamlining the current administrative and territorial structure and transforming local state administrations into prefectures.

"It is about restoring local authorities and local self-government in the de-occupied territories. It is about raising the professional level of people working in local government and involving citizens in local decision-making. The division of powers between the executive branch and local authorities. And much more," said Denys Shmyhal.

The Head of Government stressed that "unity" was the key word today. Everyone should be united: the central government, international partners, local authorities, heads of communities, communities, all Ukrainians: "We continue to work: for our victory, for the recovery, for the creation of capable communities - the basis of a prosperous Ukraine."