The Forum of Mayors from the Sumy and Lviv regions is an initiative bringing together communities from Sumy, located in eastern Ukraine and bordering Russia, and Lviv, in the country’s west. Held over two days, July 28–29, in Truskavets, the Forum aimed to foster exchanges and cooperation between mayors and local officials from these regions, despite the immense challenges and horrors they have faced due to the brutal war triggered by the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.
During this gathering, several mayors and deputies shared their personal wartime experiences, highlighting their courage and resilience in remaining at their posts despite life-threatening risks. The municipalities represented at the Forum included Okhtyrka, Lebedyn, Myropillia, Ivanivka, among others.
The Forum was initiated by MPs Oleksandr Sugoniako, Andriy Kit, and Volodymyr Gordienko and has been held regularly since the onset of the Russian invasion. Its primary goal is to address the urgent needs of Ukrainian municipalities in terms of mutual aid and solidarity, while also exploring possibilities for twinning projects between Ukrainian and European communities. These initiatives aim to support civilians affected by the conflict.
Various Ukrainian and European organizations spoke during the Forum, sharing their experiences and actions in assisting Ukrainian mayors and citizens during the war. They also presented future projects, including efforts to provide new housing for those displaced by the conflict.
Among the speakers invited to the Forum by the association Stand With Ukraine was Christophe Rouillon, Mayor of Coulaines, President of the PES (Party of European Socialists) Group at the European Committee of the Regions, departmental councilor for Sarthe, and Vice-President for European Affairs at the French Mayors’ Association (AMF).
Rouillon highlighted the crucial humanitarian aid provided by Europe and France, which includes psychological rehabilitation programs designed for children affected by the war. Additionally, European assistance for the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure is underway, aiming to restore living conditions in conflict-affected regions. A technical assistance program is also planned to strengthen Ukrainian infrastructure, helping the country rebuild and prepare for the future.
Rouillon’s involvement, along with the work of Stand With Ukraine, reflects the international solidarity with Ukraine and the commitment to support the nation during this challenging period. These efforts are essential to help Ukrainians recover and rebuild their future despite the ongoing challenges.
Military aid was also a key topic at the Forum, underscoring the need for swift and tangible support to address the daily challenges and bombardments faced by municipalities in the border region of Sumy and across Ukraine.
The prolonged political decision-making process in Europe comes at a heavy human cost in Ukraine. Every day, countless men and women lose their lives defending freedom and human rights, not only for Ukrainian citizens but for all of Europe. These sacrifices are made to safeguard the sovereignty of Ukraine and the entire European continent.
