Support Proposals for Frontline Regions
The Association of Frontline Cities and Communities has developed and submitted a set of recommendations to the Cabinet of Ministers aimed at shaping a second support package for areas near the front lines. This document presents a comprehensive vision for national policy, covering critical areas such as economic revitalization, housing strategies, energy independence, continuity of essential services, integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and landmine clearance.
Experts from both economic and social sectors contributed to drafting these proposals. The recommendations draw on the real-world experiences of member communities from Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Odesa, and other regions. Key focus areas of the proposal include:
- Support for the economy and local businesses;
- Housing policy reforms;
- Energy autonomy for communities;
- Strengthening healthcare, education, and social services.
Among the specific measures outlined in the document is the creation of a tailored economic model for businesses, featuring government-backed loan guarantees and specialized financial instruments for enterprises operating in frontline zones. Another proposal calls for establishing a system of municipal and service housing for medical staff, teachers, and utility workers, aimed at improving living and working conditions for these essential professionals.
Additionally, the Association advocates for launching a state program focused on community energy autonomy, which would promote local power generation and backup systems. A key component is the introduction of a functional safety model for communities, designed to ensure stability and security for residents living near conflict areas.
The Association also recommends implementing a unified support and integration pathway for internally displaced persons (IDPs), simplifying their access to social services and easing their adaptation. Furthermore, it proposes setting up a central coordination hub for state policy on frontline territories to ensure systematic implementation of these initiatives.
“We must start thinking today about the future of frontline communities—how to retain people, create conditions for Ukrainians who have left the country to return, and enable businesses to operate and these areas to thrive after the war. People need to see that their communities have a future: hospitals and schools will function, there will be jobs, housing, basic services, and family support. That’s why we need not isolated decisions but a systematic, long-term state policy to support frontline territories. And it’s crucial that this policy is shaped together with the communities themselves, because no one knows better than them the cost of maintaining normal life just kilometers from the front line.”
Ihor Terekhov, Head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities
Founded in 2025, the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities now includes 330 communities from 11 regions of Ukraine. This broad membership underscores the active role local authorities are playing in crafting effective support policies for frontline areas.
The initiatives proposed by the Association could significantly influence the recovery and development of frontline territories, as they are tailored to the specific needs of local communities. Importantly, these recommendations are grounded in the firsthand experiences of residents in conflict-affected regions, boosting their potential effectiveness. Implementing these measures may represent a crucial step toward stabilizing life in these communities, especially amid the ongoing military conflict.
The proposed support measures are crucial not only for enhancing the living conditions of frontline communities but also for revitalizing the local economy. To understand the broader implications of these initiatives on economic stability, you can explore how the second support package is being shaped and what changes it may bring to the economic landscape in the region by visiting the latest developments on the second support package.