Declaration on three years of war in Ukraine

CEMR issues a declaration reaffirming support and urging international action

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

CEMR has issued a formal declaration condemning the war launched by Russia and calling for decisive international action.

Call against attacks on Ukrainian mayors

Local and regional elected representatives are on the frontlines of this war, ensuring that essential services continue despite difficult conditions. Yet, they have also become targets of aggression.

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 – Mayor of Hola Prystan (Kherson region)

Ihor Kolykhaiev – Mayor of Kherson

Anatolii Siryi – Starosta of Novi Borovychi (Chernihiv region)

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

Yevhenii Matvieiev – Mayor of Dniprorudne (Zaporizhzhia region)

Oleksii Vynnychenko – Starosta of Hrebenykivka (Sumy region)

Call for Ukraine’s full EU membership

A victory for Ukraine and a just peace that will allow its reconstruction requires the full engagement of the European Union and its member states.

CEMR is committed to fostering resilience, recovery, and democratic governance in Ukraine. In its declaration, CEMR reaffirms its dedication to:

Supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine’s municipalities and regions through partnerships and exchanges.

Advocating for Ukraine’s full integration into the European Union to ensure long-term stability and prosperity.

Sustaining cooperation between European and Ukrainian local and regional governments through key initiatives, including:

The Matchmaking Platform, connecting municipalities and regions for cooperation.

The Bridges of Trust Community, Strengthening democratic governance, fostering partnerships, advancing recovery, and supporting Ukraine’s EU integration.

The European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, coordinating efforts to rebuild local communities.

A call for action

As the war continues, it is time for European institutions, national governments, and local and regional authorities to intensify their support for and to Ukraine. The path to peace and reconstruction requires decisive action, sustained cooperation, and a commitment to justice.

CEMR urges the international community to stand firm in defending democracy, peace, and the rule of law. We call for Ukraine’s victory and a just peace that will allow its cities, regions, and people to rebuild their brighter future.

Read the full CEMR declaration: