Supporting civil protection and reconstruction in municipal partnerships

Context

Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022 has left Ukrainian municipalities stretched to their limits. Their basic infrastructure has been destroyed in many cases and there is insufficient access to municipal infrastructure and appropriate health care services. At the same time, there are no financial resources to rebuild the towns and ensure the provision of municipal services. The enduring conflict and its economic and social consequences are creating an increasingly critical humanitarian situation.

Objective

Partnerships between German and Ukrainian municipalities foster civil protection and reconstruction in Ukraine.

Approach

Together with the Association of German Cities (DST), German Association of Rural Districts (LKT), German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB) and the Service Agency Communities in One World (SKEW), the project identifies German cities, municipalities and rural districts who want to support their Ukrainian partner municipalities through their own initiatives. It also asks the Ukrainian municipalities what support they need for civil protection and reconstruction.

The initial focus was on support packages for heating, materials for building yards, vehicles, medical equipment and solar lighting. Partner municipalities in Ukraine are increasingly asking for support for vulnerable population groups such as children, young people, women, those wounded in the war, and people with restricted mobility. Additionally, the project organises playgrounds and sports grounds, equipment for schools, and rehabilitation and care materials. Finally, it creates the support packages and delivers them to the German partner towns and municipalities, which then send the relief supplies to their partner municipalities in Ukraine.

Lastly, the project advises the German towns and municipalities on the logistics of forwarding the relief supplies to the Ukrainian partner municipalities. It also provides information for the Ukrainian cities and towns on how they can use the goods in the long term. Training courses are also planned.

Last update: July 2024