Ihor Terekhov discussed support for Kharkiv and frontline communities with international partners
Mayor Ihor Terekhov held a meeting with representatives of the international program “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine.”
The parties discussed the security and humanitarian situation in the city, preparations for winter, the development of safe education, economic support, and the needs of communities near the front lines.
The meeting was attended by Sir Neil Crompton, British Ambassador to Ukraine; Tarja Fernandez, Finnish Ambassador to Ukraine; Morten Enberg, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Sweden; Vegard Stensrud, representative of the Norwegian Embassy; Roland Kovacs, head of the “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine” program; Roland Kovacs, and other international partners.
Ihor Terekhov briefed the meeting participants on the consequences of enemy shelling, the work of municipal services, and the measures Kharkiv is implementing to ensure people can lead normal lives.
“First and foremost, I want to thank you for your support of Ukraine and Kharkiv - political, military, and financial. We feel it, and the people of Kharkiv feel it. Despite daily shelling, the city is holding on and continues to implement new security measures. We have established a Situation Center, reduced the duration of air raid alerts, were the first to build an underground school, and opened a metro school. But today we need systematic solutions for all frontline territories. The Association of Frontline Cities and Communities already includes more than 360 communities from 12 regions. If we don’t restore normal life in frontline territories, Ukraine will cease to exist,” emphasized Ihor Terekhov.
The mayor noted that communities near the front lines require a separate, long-term government policy. This policy should provide for affordable loans, insurance against war risks, business support, social housing, stable funding for basic services, and incentives to preserve jobs.
Tarya Fernandez, Finland’s Ambassador to Ukraine, emphasized the importance of direct dialogue with the city and specifically inquired about the development of education and the local economy.
“It is very valuable for us to be in Kharkiv, to see the situation firsthand, and to hear what is happening in the city. We know Kharkiv as a major educational hub, so it’s important for us to understand how the city supports schoolchildren, students, and the local economy,” said Tarja Fernandez.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue coordinating efforts to support critical infrastructure, energy security, economic recovery, and the development of frontline communities.
As part of the visit, the guests also visited Kharkiv Inclusive Resource Center No. 3 in the Novobavarskyi District, which was established, in part, with the support of the “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine” Program.
