This time, we bring you the story of Nataliia Kopyl, Head of the Department of Energy Management, Energy Efficiency and Investment at the Executive Committee of Polohy City Council in Zaporizhzhia region.

As part of her role, Ms Kopyl is responsible for securing funding and international technical assistance, developing partnerships and implementing energy efficiency policies. Following the temporary occupation of the community, the team was forced to work in a relocated setting – limited in resources but with a clear focus on supporting IDPs, young people and businesses, as well as preserving the community’s identity.

Between May and June 2025, Ms Kopyl took part in U-LEAD training programme “Steps for Specialists. Inter-municipal Cooperation in the Context of Relocation” and took part in a study visit to Kyiv region.

The programme offered practical answers to key operational concerns:

• the legal framework governing international technical assistance projects;
• the procedures for receiving and accounting for humanitarian and charitable aid;
• tools for inter-municipal cooperation;
• improving access to municipal services for IDPs.

A distinct emphasis is placed on preserving the community’s identity through branding, supporting local businesses, documenting the wartime experiences and promoting the community both within Ukraine and abroad.

‘For us, this programme had a strong practical focus rather than being purely theoretical. We have gained a clear understanding of how to work on international development projects, how to properly organise humanitarian aid and how to build partnerships with other communities. The fact that this knowledge can be put into practice straight away has proved particularly valuable.

Using the programme’s tools, we assessed our communications with residents and produced the Relocated Municipality Resident Guide, featuring contact details, services and support programmes. This has made it much easier for people to access information.

In addition, we have initiated a partnership with Mykhailivka community regarding the use of specialised equipment and have received advisory support from U-LEAD experts. While on the study visit, we strengthened our international presence, notably by putting together an English-language brochure about the community to help develop partnerships,’ says Ms Kopyl.

During the study visit, the participants visited the hubs of Hirske, Selydove, and Svatove communities and met with officials from the communities of Brovary and Borshchahivka, which provided insight into how relocated communities operate in practice.

This experience shows that even in tough times, communities can not only adapt but also consistently grow. The ongoing advisory support provided by U-LEAD with Europe, the use of practical tools, the establishment of partnerships and systematic information management enable strengthening institutional capacity and maintaining dialogue with residents – whatever the circumstances.