Declaration on four years of war in Ukraine

CEMR issues declaration marking four years of war and reaffirming unwavering support for Ukraine

Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, local and regional elected representatives from the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) once again reaffirm their unwavering support for Ukraine and its people.

On this fourth anniversary of Russia’s aggression, CEMR has issued a formal declaration strongly condemning the war, which continues to claim countless victims, and reiterating the commitment of European local and regional governments to stand alongside Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, reconstruction and European integration.

Call against attacks on Ukrainian mayors

Local and regional elected representatives remain on the frontlines of the war, ensuring the continuity of essential services under extraordinary and often dangerous conditions. Yet they continue to be directly targeted.

CEMR denounces the abduction of Ukrainian mayors and supports the call of the Association of Ukrainian Cities demanding the immediate release of those still detained:

Oleksandr Babych – Hola Prystan City Mayor
Ihor Kolykhaiev – Kherson City Mayor
Anatolii Siryi – Starosta of Novi Borovychi Starosta District, Snovsk City Municipality

CEMR also condemns the arbitrary imprisonment, torture and murder of Ukrainian people in Russian captivity, including:

Yevhenii Matvieiev – Mayor of Dniprorudne
Oleksii Vynnychenko – Starosta of the Hrebenykivka Starosta District of Boromlia Village Municipality

Commitment to peace, reconstruction and EU integration

CEMR calls for the immediate end to the war, and for decisive actions to enable the establishment of a just and lasting peace in Europe and the reconstruction of Ukraine. Achieving this requires full engagement of the European Union and its Member States at every stage of the process. European local and regional governments stand ready to contribute actively to recovery, democratic resilience, and long-term stability.

In its declaration, CEMR reaffirms its dedication to:

Supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction through partnerships, exchanges and decentralised cooperation between towns, cities and regions.
Accompanying Ukraine on its path to full EU membership, strengthening democratic governance and multilevel cooperation across Europe.
Sustaining and expanding cooperation through key initiatives, including:
- CEMR’s Matchmaking Platform, connecting municipalities, regions and local governments across Europe to strengthen practical cooperation.
- Bridges of Trust Community, bringing together local and regional representatives engaged in cooperation to foster trust, resilience, sustainable development and democratic governance.
- European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, uniting local and regional governments to support recovery through exchange of experience, partnerships and coordinated action.

A call for sustained European engagement

As the war enters its fifth year, sustained political, financial and institutional support remains essential. The reconstruction of Ukraine and the achievement of a just and lasting peace demand continued solidarity, coordinated action and long-term commitment.

CEMR stands firm in defending European values of democracy, peace and the rule of law. European local and regional governments remain committed to accompanying Ukraine to full EU membership, contributing to a stronger, more resilient and more secure Europe.

Read the full CEMR declaration:

CEMR’s recommendations: five essential conditions for the fair and effective integration of Ukraine into the EU