Context:
Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has destroyed or severely damaged large parts of the country. Millions of people were forced to leave their homes - in numbers not seen since the Second World War. Most fled within Ukraine and to other European countries.
As a result, many towns, cities and municipalities in Ukraine can no longer provide for and protect their citizens sufficiently. Infrastructure, such as the electricity and water supply, is often destroyed, damaged or overloaded. At the same time, many municipalities have to take in displaced people, causing them to reach their limits. The ongoing war and its economic and social consequences are further exacerbating the situation.
Objective:
Partnerships between German and Ukrainian municipalities help to protect the population in Ukraine, provide them with essential goods and services and prepare reconstruction.
Approach:
The project works with German towns, cities, districts and municipalities to identify which goods Ukrainian towns, cities and municipalities need most urgently to provide their citizens with protection and essential goods and services. Based on these requirements, it puts together procurement packages, such as equipment for municipal depots, vehicles, medical equipment or solar lighting. The project procures these goods and hands them over to the German local authorities, which in turn pass them on to their Ukrainian partner local authorities. The project provides advice on coping with the logistical challenges.
It provides information for the Ukrainian towns, cities and municipalities and organises training for them on how to use the goods long term.
The project cooperates with the Association of German Cities (DST), German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB), German Association of Rural Districts (LKT) and the Service Agency Communities in One World (SKEW).