Supporting Ukrainian Communities Means Investing in Europe’s Security: Ihor Terekhov Calls on Partners to Support Frontline Regions

Speaking at the Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region held in Tallinn, the Head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities of Ukraine, Ihor Terekhov, stressed that supporting the resilience, recovery, and development of Ukrainian communities, particularly those on the frontline, is a direct contribution to Europe’s security.

The Mayor of Kharkiv delivered his remarks during the panel discussion “From Crisis to Capacity: What Can We Learn from Ukraine and How Can We Build Better Cooperation”, which focused on strengthening cooperation between the Baltic Sea region and Ukraine amid the challenges of war, population displacement, and long-term systemic pressures.

Addressing representatives of the Baltic states and other EU member countries, Ihor Terekhov emphasized that it is now critically important to speak about a common security space stretching from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea.

“Our regions are connected by far more than geography. We share a common responsibility for peace, stability, and the future of Europe,” the Head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities noted.

Particular attention was devoted to the resilience of communities living under constant shelling and missile attacks. The Chairman of the Association stressed that while the enemy sought to reduce Ukrainian cities to ruins, Ukraine instead demonstrated resilience, dignity, and strength.

“Even under such conditions, we continue to ensure the functioning of public transport, hospitals, schools, and municipal services. We support our people and preserve normal life where the enemy wanted to see only destruction. Kharkiv knows this reality all too well. Our city has endured thousands of strikes, yet it has not lost its strength, dignity, or faith in the future.”

Ihor Terekhov emphasized that security begins not only at national borders, but first and foremost in cities where there is responsible leadership, strong communities, and the ability to act together during the most difficult times. According to the Mayor, it is at the local level that Ukraine is implementing European approaches to governance, transparency, and respect for human dignity.

The Head of the Association concluded by noting that Ukraine’s recovery will become the largest European reconstruction project since the Second World War. He therefore called on partners from the Baltic region to invest in a shared future by participating in projects aimed at rebuilding Ukraine, developing modern energy systems, strengthening critical infrastructure, and shaping a new European economy in Ukraine.