Affordable Housing Is Key to Curbing Ukrainian Emigration, Kharkiv Mayor Says

Ihor Terekhov’s Visit to Turin

According to Главком: During his trip to Turin, Italy, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov stressed that Ukraine’s recovery success will be judged by the living standards of its people. He stated that affordable housing is the most powerful tool to prevent emigration. The remarks came at a meeting with Turin Mayor Stefano Lo Russo, city council members, and municipal officials. The visit also saw the signing of a Friendship and Cooperation Agreement between Kharkiv and Turin.

Terekhov, who also leads the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities, thanked Italian partners for their trust, readiness to act, and understanding. He referenced Italy’s post-World War II Fanfani Plan, which enabled millions of Italians to obtain housing. He said,

“After the war, simply rebuilding what the enemy destroyed won’t be enough. Ukrainians must start living better-that’s how the success of Ukraine’s recovery should be measured.”

Fighting Poverty and Social Initiatives

Terekhov highlighted poverty as an internal threat, arguing that combating it must become a cornerstone of state policy. He emphasized that

“if a person lives out of a suitcase and has no home in Ukraine, sooner or later they will find one in another country.”

In his view, housing, social support, infrastructure reconstruction, and transport development should not be isolated projects but part of a comprehensive state policy to bring people home.

The mayor added: “We can rebuild every bridge, every stadium, every house-but what’s the point if people’s lives don’t improve? Recovery isn’t about concrete, bricks, or reports. Recovery is about people. About families coming home.” He concluded by stating, “The war against Ukraine is not just our problem. It’s a matter of security, freedom, and the future of all Europe.”

Turin has already provided aid, including buses, underscoring the partnership and support between the two cities. As Terekhov noted, Ukraine’s recovery will require efforts in the economy, development, and welfare-areas that must provide answers to the challenges of the post-war future.

Terekhov’s visit to Turin highlights the importance of international cooperation in Ukraine’s post-war rebuilding. The signing of the friendship and cooperation agreement between the cities shows that support at the international level can be a key factor in ensuring social and economic progress. The mayor’s focus on improving Ukrainians’ living standards and fighting poverty reflects the priorities of Ukrainian authorities in the context of post-war recovery. It also demonstrates an understanding that rebuilding the country must be not only a material process but also a social one, centered on people.

As the discussion around Ukraine's recovery continues, it's crucial to recognize the broader implications of international support. Recently, Budanov emphasized the need for increased global backing to strengthen Ukraine's resilience against ongoing challenges. This reinforces the idea that affordable housing is just one aspect of a multifaceted approach required to ensure a stable future for the nation.