Ihor Terekhov and Serhii Koretskyi discuss support for people and frontline communities

On 20 August, Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv and Chair of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities of Ukraine, met Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhii Koretskyi to discuss support for people and communities living and working close to the frontline.

The discussions focused on priorities for the 2027 state budget, support for internally displaced people, measures to strengthen local businesses, housing policy, and Kharkiv’s preparations for the forthcoming heating season.

During the meeting, Ihor Terekhov presented a set of proposals developed by the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities of Ukraine.

“Every day, we see the challenges people face: household incomes, the cost of food and medicines, housing and employment. As the Government prepares next year’s budget, it is important to find solutions that will help protect people’s incomes while reducing the cost of everyday essentials” Ihor Terekhov said.

The proposals include raising the minimum wage to UAH 10,000 and the minimum pension to UAH 6,000, reducing VAT on essential food products to 5 per cent, and expanding medicine reimbursement programmes. Terekhov also proposed increasing financial support for internally displaced people to UAH 4,500 per person and making this assistance available, regardless of household income, during the first six months after displacement.

Particular attention was given to the financial resilience of frontline communities. Terekhov proposed allowing these communities to retain reverse equalisation payments in their local budgets in 2027 and, where possible, throughout the period of martial law.

“For communities operating every day under constant threat, these funds are vital. They help keep heating and water supplies running, maintain public transport, restore damaged infrastructure and support local residents. It is essential that we work with the Government to find solutions that enable frontline communities to remain resilient” Terekhov said.

The meeting also covered support for small businesses, housing policy, regional economic recovery and Kharkiv’s preparations for the heating season.

Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi stressed the importance of keeping the city’s critical infrastructure operating reliably amid continued Russian attacks.

“Our priority is to ensure that critical infrastructure continues to operate and that residents are protected throughout the heating season. Kharkiv faces exceptionally difficult conditions every day, making it essential to respond quickly to emerging challenges and continue strengthening the city’s resilience. We will maintain close dialogue with the city authorities so that we can respond promptly to Kharkiv’s needs and ensure the city is properly prepared for winter,” Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said.

Terekhov thanked the Prime Minister for the productive discussion and his commitment to continued cooperation with frontline communities.

“Maintaining a regular dialogue with the Government is essential. Frontline communities understand the realities on the ground and are ready to put forward practical solutions. By working together, we can deliver the support that people, businesses and communities need in these exceptionally difficult circumstances” Terekhov said.