Oleksii Kuleba, Executive Secretary of the Presidium of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, and Michael Druckman, Director of the International Republican Institute in Ukraine, discussed further cooperation as well as the development of municipalities and oblasts in the face of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation.

It is reported by the website of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine.

"I am sincerely grateful to the foreign partners for their contribution to the development of governance in Ukraine. It is important to maintain horizontal governance in times of war. However, it is necessary to provide an effective vertical where it is required by the security situation," said Oleksii Kuleba.

Representatives of the International Republican Institute in Ukraine presented their survey, showing that Ukrainians have confidence in the Ukrainian government and support EU and NATO integration. Moreover, 84% of the survey participants consider the future of Ukraine to be encouraging.

"Our municipal survey has shown that Ukrainians have confidence in the future of their cities and want to participate in determining the reconstruction priorities along with their local authorities. Therefore, it is crucial for the successful recovery of Ukraine to ensure genuine interaction between citizens, local and central authorities," said Michael Druckman.

The participants also discussed the support of the International Republican Institute for the activities of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine and the Regional Offices for International Cooperation.

Moreover, Executive Secretary of the Presidium of the Congress presented the action plan to discuss the new development doctrine of Ukraine.

"All of us have a lot of joint work ahead to implement the doctrinal plans for Ukraine's transformation, announced by the President of Ukraine to the Parliament on the occasion of the Constitution Day," said Oleksii Kuleba.