Ihor Terekhov’s Address at the GLOBSEC Forum
Speaking at the GLOBSEC security forum in Prague, Ihor Terekhov, head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities and mayor of Kharkiv, stressed that backing Ukraine is essential for Europe’s overall security. He emphasized that Kharkiv’s fate is tightly interwoven with Ukraine’s, and that protecting Ukraine means protecting Europe. Terekhov urged European nations to unite in their support for Ukraine, stating:
“If Europe wants to keep war off its own soil, it must stand together in supporting Ukraine.”
The Quest for a Just Peace and Frontline City Struggles
During his speech, the Kharkiv mayor also addressed the need for a fair peace settlement.
“Everyone wants peace. But peace cannot come at any price. It must be just—one that won’t spark another wave of war in a year or a few months. For us, guarantees are essential,”he said.
Terekhov highlighted common challenges faced by frontline cities, which require tailored approaches in areas such as:
- funding
- business support
- energy policy
Kharkiv has a permanent population of roughly 1.3 million people, including 215,000 internally displaced persons. The Association of Frontline Cities and Communities brings together over 330 communities from 12 regions. Among its achievements, Terekhov noted retaining a portion of personal income tax in local budgets and drawing the government’s attention to the needs of frontline areas.
“What is Russia trying to achieve? That people leave, that cities become empty, that ruins replace life. Our goal is the exact opposite: to keep people here, working, raising children, accessing services, having jobs, and feeling remembered. That’s why we united,” the Kharkiv mayor emphasized.
He also pointed out that bringing people back to frontline cities is only possible if safety, housing, jobs, children’s education, and real social support are in place.
“The economy of frontline cities, business support, energy resilience, and social policy are not separate issues. They are the foundation of these communities’ future,”Terekhov concluded.
During wartime, frontline communities face severe challenges: shelling, destroyed infrastructure, energy shortages, business flight, and the urgent need for housing, jobs, and safe schooling for children. Solving these problems demands joint efforts and new financial mechanisms. Terekhov’s stance at the forum underscores the critical role of international support and coordinated action to tackle crises in Ukraine’s frontline areas, while also calling for a just peace that ensures stability and growth. This issue is becoming increasingly urgent for all European nations, as the conflict in Ukraine directly impacts security and economic conditions across the region.
As Terekhov highlighted the interconnectedness of Ukraine's defense and European security, it is essential to understand the broader implications of the ongoing conflict. In a related context, President Zelenskyy recently indicated that Russia, facing no significant gains on the battlefield, is instead targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. This shift in strategy underscores the urgent need for international support to bolster Ukraine's resilience. For more insights on this pressing issue, read about the challenges posed by Russia's tactics against Ukraine's energy grid.