The recovery of Ukraine depends not only on large cities, but also on the ability of small communities to access international support, implement development projects, and build resilience under wartime conditions.

In this episode of EUEA Dialogues, podcast host Olena Rybak, Vice-Chair of the EUEA Board and Executive Director at iC consulenten Ukraine, speaks with Yaroslav Tsvirkun, Mayor of Pereshchepyne — a town of around 21,000 residents in the Dnipropetrovsk Region, located close to the frontline.

The discussion focuses on the realities of war for local communities, hosting internally displaced persons, developing long-term strategies, and seeking international support for infrastructure and social projects.

They discussed the following:

• the main challenges faced by small communities during wartime;

• why international cooperation is essential for recovery and development;

• how municipalities address the lack of specialists and experience in securing funding;

• projects already implemented with donor support;

• the accessibility of loans and grants for small towns and existing barriers;

• policy changes needed to better support small communities;

• creating conditions for sustainable development with limited resources.