Local Governance in Ukraine Now a Pillar of National Security

Speech by Ihor Terekhov at an Online Conference

According to Главком: Ihor Terekhov, head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities and mayor of Kharkiv, addressed an online conference hosted by the Union of the Baltic Cities. During his remarks, he underscored that Ukraine’s local self-government has become a critical component of national security. According to Terekhov, the experiences of frontline territories are giving rise to a new crisis management model-one that could benefit all of Europe, particularly amid today’s challenges. The Union of the Baltic Cities is a municipal cooperation network spanning Northern Europe and the Baltic region.

The Association of Frontline Cities and Communities became an associate partner of the Union of the Baltic Cities in May 2026. The conference where Terekhov spoke focused on European integration and financial opportunities for communities.

New Governance Model for Frontline Communities

During the conference, Terekhov stressed that Ukrainian frontline communities are now forging a novel governance approach.

“Our crisis management mode is always on. This involves rapid decision-making, high adaptability, and constant engagement with citizens under sustained threats,” he said.

Terekhov also argued that this expertise could prove valuable not only for Ukraine but for all of Europe, which faces hybrid threats such as cybersecurity risks, critical infrastructure protection, and energy resilience.

Ihor Terekhov highlighted the importance of cooperation in the following areas:

• energy resilience
• infrastructure modernization
• digitalization
• transport
• civil protection
• strategic planning
• economic recovery

“These partnerships create a tangible dimension of European integration even before Ukraine gains full membership in the European Union,” he added.

The Kharkiv mayor also emphasized that for frontline territories, European integration involves crucial choices about people’s futures, preserving human capital, and generating new jobs.

“Today, Ukrainian communities are defending not just their cities-they are defending the values on which modern Europe is built,” Terekhov stated. He expressed confidence that the success of Ukrainian communities is a shared European interest and called for continued collaboration to drive development and recovery.

Terekhov’s conference address highlights the role of local governance in Ukraine’s national security, especially amid war and ongoing threats. The emerging management models from frontline communities could serve as a template for other regions facing similar challenges. Cooperation with European partners in fields like energy and infrastructure may significantly bolster Ukraine’s international standing and advance its European integration goals.

As Terekhov highlighted the evolving governance model of frontline communities, it's essential to acknowledge the interconnectedness of Ukraine's stability with broader European security. This notion is further explored in a recent discussion by Terekhov in Prague, where he emphasized that the defense of Ukraine is crucial for the safety of the entire continent. For more insights on this vital relationship, read about Europe's security and Ukraine's defense.