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Resilience in Action: How the Pereshchepyne Municipality Used U-LEAD Support During the War

About the municipality

Region Dnipropetrovsk Oblast

Full name of the municipality Pereshchepyne urban municipality

Population 20 639

Number of settlements 21

Keeping pace with the times, attracting investment, and building international partnerships with the support of U-LEAD with Europe, Pereshchepyne municipality has developed a resilient pathway for development and recovery during the war. Close cooperation with U-LEAD began after the full-scale invasion. First and foremost, the municipality received material and technical assistance including generators to ensure the uninterrupted operation of emergency services. Subsequently, several projects and initiatives were launched, one of which is Bridges of Trust initiative aiming to promote collaboration between Ukrainian and European municipalities.

“U-LEAD became our mentor and facilitator. The municipality was shortlisted in the selection process and established a partnership with Slovenian municipality of Idrija. We identified several areas for joint projects, one of which is waste management. We selected several areas for cooperation, one of which is waste management. Idrija has strong experience in this field”, – says Iaroslav Tsvirkun, Pereshchepyne Mayor.

Municipality representatives completed a three-week training programme in Slovenia and initiated the practical implementation of the project at home.

“We are already implementing the first phase of the project and constructing container sites. We are also expecting bins for separate waste sorting and are preparing the necessary documentation for the further center in Pereshchepyne”, – adds the Mayor.

In addition to environmental solutions, the municipality is also focused on improving the quality and accessibility of administrative services. In 2023, a modern Administrative Service Centre (ASC) opened. The equipment, furniture, and technology were purchased with the support of U-LEAD.

“The system is open and transparent, with no separate offices. The ASC provides passport services and operates an electronic queue. Each starosta district is equipped with a remote workstation of the ASC administrator. Our residents can access all services locally”, – says Olha Kuchyna, head of Pereschepyne ASC.

At present, the residents of the municipality have access to 423 services. ASC mobile case, a portable equipment kit, enables remote service work.

“It is particularly helpful and convenient especially for people who are hospitalized or people with disabilities”, – adds Olha Kuchyna.

From the first days of the war, a key priority for the municipality was supporting those fleeing active combat zones. In spring 2023, a shelter for internally displaced persons was opened on the premises of a local lyceum. It became a place of assistance for thousands of people, including many displaced residents from Kharkiv Oblast.

“The shelter from U-LEAD enabled the accommodation, heating, and provision of food for people. At present, it also serves as a place for heating and charging devices during blackouts.” – says Liudmyla Biriukova, Chief Specialist of the Department for Housing and Communal Services of Pereshchepyne City Council.

Despite the realities of war, many young people remain in the municipality and require both learning opportunities and leisure activities. For this purpose, a youth centre started its work in Holubivka village. Renovation was funded by the local budget, while equipment was provided with the assistance of international donors and charitable organisations.

“Youth are driving force that brings energy and outline development directions. It is encouraging that Pereshchepyne municipality decided to create youth hubs in each starosta district, as youth development is among our key priorities”, – says Olena Tertyshna Head of the Regional Office of U-LEAD with Europe in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Seventeen-year-old Violetta Hryhorevska, works as a children’s dance instructor at the centre. She notes that beyond dance classes, the centre offers sports activities as well as a workspace for staff and visitors.

“There are many displaced people now, and they often stay indoors simply because they have no one to talk to and nothing to do. These centres unite young people allowing them to choose a hobby or simply come here to relax. New visitors are always welcome”, – says Violetta.

In March 2025, the Recovery and Development Office began operating in the municipality. The space hosts meetings and sessions of the city council, executive committees, and city commissions. Equipped with modern technology, it also allows for video recording of events. Civil society organisations and business representatives can also use the venue for seminars and presentations.

“Together, we have created a space that fosters new ideas, opportunities, and a higher standard of governance, enabling us to promote our brand and remain in step with other modern Ukrainian municipalities” – notes Iryna Shumkova, Head of Department for International Relations and Investments of Pereshchepyne City Council.

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