In Gdańsk, during the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities of Ukraine, the Association of Polish Cities, and the Union of Polish Metropolises.

The document was signed by Ihor Terekhov, Head of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities, Mayor of Kharkiv.

The Memorandum lays the foundations for deeper cooperation between Ukrainian frontline communities and Polish municipalities in recovery, resilience-building, local development, and European integration. The document specifically provides for the development of partnerships between communities in the two countries, the exchange of practical experience, support for the institutional capacity of local governments, the preparation of joint projects, and the involvement of Ukrainian communities in European programmes and cooperation networks.

According to Ihor Terekhov, for the frontline communities of Ukraine, such cooperation is primarily of practical importance.

‘Frontline communities are currently under enormous strain: they are providing services to the residents, restore damaged infrastructure, prepare for winter, support the economy and, at the same time, plan for the future. Therefore, we need direct cooperation with European cities that have experience in development, governance, attracting investment, and participating in European programmes,’ he emphasised.

The implementation of the Memorandum is expected to contribute to the expansion of international partnerships for Ukrainian communities, the mobilisation of additional resources for their recovery and development, and the strengthening of cooperation between local governments in Ukraine and Poland in the context of Ukraine’s European integration.