Oleksiy Kuleba, Vice Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine – Minister of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, said that 19% of Ukraine is occupied.
He said this at the First International Cohesion Forum Creating the Future, an LB.ua correspondent reports.
"Today, 19% of our territory is under occupation. Hundreds of thousands of objects have been damaged or destroyed. Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes. But despite this, reconstruction continues, the economy is working, and communities remain resilient," he said.
According to Kuleba, communities near the frontline are facing the most difficult situation.
"It is for such hromadas that the government has decided to provide systemic financial support... Last week, UAH 1.5 billion was allocated and yesterday an additional UAH 1.8 billion was allocated. On average, about UAH 10 million per hromada. These funds are earmarked for shelters, special equipment, restoration of critical infrastructure, and everything necessary to save lives," Kuleba said.
Local self-government remains a key element of state resilience.
"That is why we continue the decentralisation reform and create a mechanism for direct interaction between communities. The state programme Side by Side has now united 450 communities from different regions. They work together, restore social facilities, organise cultural events, and help each other on an ongoing basis," Kuleba added.