On 23 October in Kyiv, the Swedish–Ukrainian Programme Polaris: Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine handed over the first five vehicles equipped to implement mobile service delivery projects, enabling hromadas to provide public services to residents in remote areas.

The event was attended by Jakob Granit, Director-General of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Oleksii Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, and Maryna Bobranitska, Head of the Department for Systemic Development of Administrative Services at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

"Strong local leadership is the foundation of democracy and public trust. Sweden stands firmly with Ukraine, which continues—despite unprecedented challenges—to strengthen its institutions and rebuild its communities," underlined Jakob Granit, Sida Director-General.

The five equipped vehicles were handed over to the Kherson Oblast Military Administration and the Sumy, Myrhorod, Korop, and Oleksandriia hromadas. Each vehicle is fitted with the necessary equipment for mobile teams providing services to residents of remote settlements.

“The implementation of this project is an effective tool to expand access to public services for everyone – from residents of remote villages to veterans and people with disabilities. We appreciate the hromadas’ commitment and consistency. Such initiatives strengthen trust in government and prove that, even during wartime, Ukrainian hromadas continue to grow and develop. The support we receive through the Swedish Polaris Programme is tangible at every level – from strategic partnership to concrete projects that improve people’s lives. It is an investment in a democratic future where strong hromadas are the foundation of the state and the drivers of change,” noted Oleksii Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.

The selected hromadas will also receive expert and mentoring support in implementing projects aimed at improving access to public services and promoting inclusion and accessibility. These projects focus on expanding access to administrative and social services for internally displaced persons, veterans, persons with disabilities, and people with limited mobility.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, I would like to highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to developing public services. We are actively working on digitalising state services to make them more personalised and accessible online. At the same time, we recognise that some people need assistance but cannot travel to a Centre for Administrative Services (CNAP) to obtain it. That is why these vehicles and equipment are not merely logistical support – they are a real tool to enhance service accessibility for everyone. We are grateful to our partners for their support,” said Maryna Bobranitska, Head of the Department for Systemic Development of Administrative Services at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

Among the supported initiatives are the establishment of mobile offices for delivering administrative and social services in remote villages, on-site consultations for residents, implementation of integrated “services nearby” packages for veterans and vulnerable groups, and the development of inclusive services for people with limited mobility. Such solutions enable hromadas to ensure equal access to public services and greater convenience for residents.

Information about the implemented projects is available at the link.
Information about the competition and its winners is available at the link.