On the instructions of the President, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Oleksiy Kuleba made a working trip to Kherson region, where he presented the "Side by Side" initiative. Within the framework of this initiative, 15 regions of Ukraine will help rebuild the settlements of Kherson region suffered in hostilities and occupation by the Russian army.
The initiative provides for rebuilding 26 de-occupied settlements of Kherson region involving other regions and capable communities. It is about restoring housing and infrastructure, creating conditions for the return of Kherson people to their homes.
"Despite Russian terror, occupation, destruction, and shelling, people are returning home. They want to live on their land, in their country, and teach and raise their children here. They want to rebuild their homes and streets. Only together, by joining forces, we can return Kherson region to normal life. A life that was destroyed by Russia," Kuleba said.
He also said that under the initiative, repair crews from different parts of the country, mostly volunteers, are involved in the reconstruction of Kherson region. In particular, Vinnytsia region is restoring the settlement of Kalynivske, Volyn – the village of Blahodativka, Dnipropetrovsk region – the villages of Olhyne, Starolissia, Bobrovy Kut, Zhytomyr region – the village of Tryfonivka, Zakarpattia – the villages of Novopavlivka and Oleksandrivka, Ivano-Frankivsk region – the village of Davydiv Brid, Kirovohrad region – the village of Mala Oleksandrivka, Lviv region – the villages of Nova Zoria, Tavriyske and the settlement of Bila Krynytsia, Odesa region – the villages of Kyselivka, Blahodatne and Novodmytrivka, Poltava region – the villages of Chkalove and Pravdyne, Rivne region – the villages of Zahradivka, Orlove and Kochubeivka, Ternopil region – the settlement of Arkhanhelske, Khmelnytsky region – the village of Vysokopillia, Cherkasy region – the villages of Novopetrivka and Ivanivka, Bukovyna – the village of Novomykolaivka.
"There are many challenges before us, before the regions and communities. But I am convinced that together we will return life to the heroic Kherson region as soon as possible. It is important that "Side by Side" is only a small part of the We Build Ukraine large-scale national program. I am especially grateful to the regions that immediately supported the initiative because Ukrainians are one big family," the deputy head of the President's Office said.
In some communities, repair works have already started, in others soon they will begin. In total, more than 3,500 objects are planned to be restored under the pilot project.
"Next are other affected regions and strengthening of partnership, unity, assistance, and ties between Ukrainians and self-government," Kuleba said.