Denys Ulutin: “Social resilience is the foundation underpinning frontline communities”

Restoring life in frontline communities requires not only the rebuilding of infrastructure, but also a new model of social protection. Speaking at the Forum of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Ulutin stated that the key challenge is a community’s ability to retain its people.

“First and foremost, when we speak about the resilience of frontline communities, we usually begin with the words ‘security’ and ‘infrastructure’ — and this is absolutely justified. But we must remember who all of this is ultimately for — people. And people remain where support is systematic and predictable: not one-off aid or symbolic payments, but a clear and reliable system that allows people to live, work, raise their children and grow old with dignity even in wartime.”

It is essential to move from emergency humanitarian response to building sustainable, long-term social services.

“In frontline communities, social policy is not an abstraction. This is where people make real decisions: whether to stay or leave, whether to return or not.”

Today, Kharkiv demonstrates how to move beyond a purely formal approach. Local social policy is built around the real needs of each family.

“Only one thing truly works — understanding the real needs of each individual or family. Social resilience is not about loud slogans. It is about everyday decisions that allow people to feel they are not alone, that they matter, and that their future lies here.”

The government sees frontline communities as its key partners in preserving people — the very foundation of our shared resilience.