A strong Ukraine now is Europe’s security belt: Oleksii Kuleba at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe took place in Strasbourg. The plenary session was opened by Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba.

In his speech, he thanked the Council of Europe for its support and ongoing attention to Ukraine, outlined the main challenges facing communities amid the war, and focused on European integration and the implementation of local self-government reform.

On the Challenges Facing Communities During the War

In recent months, there has not been a single day without russia striking Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure. Power plants, substations, and gas and water supply facilities are under attack. Targeted strikes on logistics are recorded, including ports and railways – over 800 attacks since the beginning of the year. Enemy drones are literally hunting locomotives.

The enemy’s goal is clear: to isolate frontline areas, disrupt logistics routes, and deprive people of heat, light, and water.

“These attacks do not halt our work. Communities in Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, and the South are defending, repairing, and maintaining life-support facilities every day. Even under shelling, the development of Black Sea ports and logistics routes that sustain the economy continues.

Ukraine is enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure. We are building equipment reserves. Engineering shelter systems are being installed. Our work horizon is focused on resilient recovery – with new technologies, new connections, and new opportunities for communities.

russia is trying to plunge us into darkness ahead of winter. We are restoring, protecting, and developing infrastructure even under fire. And despite everything, the heating season has officially begun in Ukraine today,” emphasised Oleksii Kuleba.

Together with international partners, Ukraine is implementing strategic infrastructure projects. The European Investment Bank supports the modernisation of transport hubs, urban environment upgrades, and the construction of roads, bridges, and facilities that form the foundation of the future economy.

European Cohesion Policy

Despite the fighting, Ukraine is not only rapidly restoring what has been damaged but also laying the groundwork for sustainable recovery.

“I am grateful to the Council of Europe for its assistance and participation in Ukraine’s European integration processes. In September, we completed the screening process for compliance with European legislation. This is a historic step on the path to the European Union. Thanks to our joint efforts, we managed to complete the screening in record time and prove that Ukraine is ready for the next stage of European integration. I particularly want to emphasise: even during the war, Ukraine continues the reform of local self-government and regional development,” said the Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development.

Ukraine remains committed to the principles of European cohesion policy – developing strong and capable communities. Special attention is paid to introducing digital tools that help make governance transparent and project planning and monitoring more efficient.

“With the involvement of Council of Europe experts, we have updated the Concept of Decentralisation Reform. These changes will make the reform more effective in wartime and post-war recovery conditions. One of the key steps is to clearly delineate powers between central authorities and local self-government. We are also grateful for the Council of Europe’s contribution to establishing the International Register of Damage, covering both material and non-material harm. Millions of Ukrainians affected by russian aggression are awaiting compensation from frozen assets. We are grateful for the creation of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. We must ensure that russia is held accountable – aggression must be punished. And we are thankful for your leadership,” added Oleksii Kuleba.