Today, 24 February, marks four years of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Throughout that time, cities in Ukraine have shown extraordinary resilience and courage, and cities across the rest of Europe have offered unwavering solidarity and practical support.
From the outset, many cities with the Eurocities network mobilised rapidly, delivering humanitarian aid, equipment and civil protection support, and hosting displaced people. Over time, this support has evolved. While emergency assistance, from generators and vehicles to medical and winter supplies, remains vital, cooperation has become more strategic and reciprocal.
Partnerships now focus on capacity-building, climate-neutral development, and cultural and digital cooperation. What began as crisis response has grown into long-term municipal cooperation, supporting reconstruction, institutional strengthening and Ukraine’s European future.
Yet, as renewed Russia attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure leave Ukrainian cities facing freezing temperatures and power cuts, the need for support remains urgent.
We spoke with city officials in Warsaw, Tallinn and Leipzig who work directly with Ukrainian cities. They explained how their cooperation has developed, what Ukrainian cities are experiencing today, and how cities across Europe and Ukraine continue to stand and work together.
Which Ukrainian cities does your city work with and how have you been involved?
Paulina Boguta-Miller, Team Leader of the Activities for Foreigners Coordination Team, City of Warsaw: “Warsaw has for many years maintained regular contact with several Ukrainian cities, particularly Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv and Odesa. Our cooperation has centred on the exchange of experience, knowledge and good practices with Ukrainian cities.
“After 24 February 2022, our cooperation expanded significantly. In the first months, efforts focused primarily on material assistance. Warsaw delivered clothing, food, medicines, pet food, power banks, fire extinguishers and materials to protect Ukrainian heritage sites. Heavier equipment was also provided, including generators, buses, metro carriages, trucks and excavators, and rehabilitation equipment was purchased for Kyiv and Lviv.
“Warsaw also acts as an advocate for Ukrainian cities at UNESCO and implements the ‘Ukraine Reconstruction House’ project to safeguard architectural heritage and prepare for future rebuilding.”
Tallinn’s cooperation with Ukrainian cities has evolved from symbolic partnerships into a comprehensive and future-oriented programme
Riina Kuusik-Rajasaar, Chief Officer for Partner Cities and Ukraine Cooperation, City of Tallinn: “Tallinn’s cooperation with Ukrainian cities has evolved from longstanding but mostly symbolic partnerships into a comprehensive, structured and future-oriented programme. Tallinn has officially partnered with Odesa and Kyiv since the 1990s, but the war reshaped these relationships.
“Tallinn shifted rapidly into emergency mode, sending humanitarian aid, medical equipment, buses and generators, and supporting hospitals and schools across Ukraine. The city also hosted summer camps for Ukrainian children from Odesa, Kyiv, Zhytomyr and other frontline regions.
“As needs became more complex, Tallinn has expanded into capacity-building projects such as mentoring Vinnytsia on circular economy planning and supporting rehabilitation and mental health programmes for healthcare professionals in Rivne.”
Kristina Aleksandra Raßmann, Officer for Eastern Europe in the Department for International Affairs, City of Leipzig: “Leipzig works with Kyiv as a partner city. Before the war, the cooperation focused mainly on cultural exchange. Since the start of Russia’s war, my work has changed significantly. I now work across departments on various projects, as multiple crises and the city’s solidarity with Kyiv affect all areas of the administration.
“There are now many urgent requests, from citizens of Leipzig or from political fractions in our city council related to Ukraine, which require quick reactions. I also became part of the city administration’s internal Ukraine Steering Group which coordinates activities to support Ukraine and Kyiv.
“Over the past four years, we have definitely grown closer with Kyiv. Together, we are involved in several European knowledge networks, like the URBACT Programme and the SUN4Ukraine project. Solidarity visits have taken place, and professional exchange visits have increased significantly.”
What are Ukrainian cities telling you about their situation? What is your message to them at this difficult stage?
Kristina Aleksandra Raßmann (Leipzig): “Ukrainian cities, especially Kyiv, are reporting an extremely difficult situation. This winter is one of the hardest so far. In Kyiv, there has been no heating in homes for several days, and internet access is often disrupted, so people’s daily life is marked by constant uncertainty, attacks and a lack of basic infrastructure.
“My colleagues in Kyiv know we are doing everything we can, even though it often feels for me like it is not enough. For those of us living in a world without drones and attacks, with heating and a relatively normal life, the most important message is: this war must be stopped.”
This winter is one of the hardest so far. In Kyiv...people’s lives are marked by constant uncertainty, attacks and a lack of basic infrastructure.
Riina Kuusik-Rajasaar (Tallinn): “I am in touch with my Ukrainian colleagues every single day. As you might expect, the tone of our conversations has become increasingly grave over the winter months. When I visited Kyiv in November, I spent every night in a shelter due to continuous night time air raids. Even then, we spoke about the coming winter and the challenges it would bring. But the reality has turned out to be far harsher than I anticipated.
“Many cities describe a situation that is deteriorating. Two out of ten Kyiv city districts are currently entirely without power. Ordinary families are surviving in conditions that no European city should ever have to face. Our message is straightforward: we will stand beside you, with practical help, professional cooperation and moral solidarity, for as long as needed.”
What challenges have you faced in supporting Ukrainian cities, and what have your Ukrainian colleagues experienced?
Paulina Boguta-Miller (Warsaw): “On our side, the main obstacles have been formal, legal and customs-related. Delivering equipment across borders, especially larger items such as buses, generators or specialised machinery, requires compliance with complex procedures, documentation and coordination between multiple institutions. In emergency situations, when time is critical, these processes can be demanding. However, thanks to strong cooperation between municipal services, national authorities and Ukrainian partners, we have always managed to find practical solutions and ensure assistance reached those in need.
“Our Ukrainian colleagues have faced even greater challenges. They operate under constant security threats, with damaged infrastructure, limited resources and immense pressure to maintain essential public services.”
Thanks to strong cooperation between municipal services, national authorities and Ukrainian partners, we have always managed to ensure assistance reached those in need
Riina Kuusik-Rajasaar (Tallinn): “One of our biggest challenges has been balancing urgent requests with the limits of our resources. Ukrainian cities often need support immediately, while our systems move more slowly. For example, Kyiv’s request for energy sector assistance reached Tallinn last Autumn, yet we are still processing it due to changes in city government and the late adoption of the new budget. This creates pressure and frustration: we want to respond instantly, but some solutions require coordination and time.”
What lessons have you learned from working with Ukrainian colleagues?
Kristina Aleksandra Raßmann (Leipzig): “One of the most important lessons I have learned from working with Ukrainian partners is their flexibility and efficiency. What impresses me most is their ability to remain positive despite the circumstances, as well as their resilience and strength. For four years, they have been working under extreme short-term conditions for projects in Europe, constantly adapting to uncertainty. I have enormous respect for that.”
Riina Kuusik-Rajasaar (Tallinn): “Continued work with Ukrainian cities now has taught us more than we could ever teach in return. Under circumstances that would paralyse most administrations, Ukrainian city teams continue to innovate, organise, and support their communities with extraordinary clarity and determination. Their optimism and can do attitude are not naïve, they are deliberate, disciplined choices that keep their cities functioning.
Ukrainian cities urgently need energy equipment after renewed Russian attacks. How has your city responded?
Paulina Boguta-Miller (Warsaw): “Warsaw has recently delivered 90 power generators to Kyiv, our partner city. These generators were distributed by the Kyiv City State Administration directly to residents and local facilities most in need. However, due to ongoing winter conditions and disruptions in heating and electricity supply, the demand for generators and other energy equipment remains extremely high. High-voltage generators, transformers, mobile boiler units, and renewable energy solutions such as solar panels are critically important to maintaining basic services and protecting residents during the cold season.”
Warsaw has recently delivered 90 power generators to Kyiv, our partner city
Kristina Aleksandra Raßmann (Leipzig): “Using remaining funds from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Leipzig procured 37 trucks for technical assistance and additional generators to help stabilise infrastructure and ensure basic services during power outages. We also provided 17 fire engines and 62 technical transport vehicles for civil protection. Leipzig regularly receives needs assessments from Kyiv, outlining the currently most urgently required relief supplies.”
Riina Kuusik-Rajasaar (Tallinn): “Tallinn responded to Ukraine’s urgent call for energy support this winter by sending essential alternative energy equipment to the Zhytomyr oblast, including 10 diesel generators, 10 diesel heaters and 20 inverter generators, to help maintain critical services. In addition, Tallinn is responding to a similar request from Kyiv. As the specific equipment requested was not immediately available through city channels, Tallinn has decided to provide a direct financial grant instead.”
How do Ukrainian colleagues talk about the future?
Paulina Boguta-Miller (Warsaw): “They speak with resilience and determination, hoping for a swift and just end to the war and future European Union accession. Warsaw remains committed to long-term cooperation based on partnership and mutual trust.”
Riina Kuusik-Rajasaar (Tallinn): “Despite exhaustion and loss, Ukrainian colleagues focus on rebuilding cities, strengthening institutions and securing Ukraine’s place in the European family. Long-term, trustworthy partnerships remain essential.”
There is no naïve optimism, but a strong sense of agency
Kristina Aleksandra Raßmann (Leipzig): “There is no naïve optimism, but a strong sense of agency. Ukrainian colleagues speak about rebuilding not simply as returning to normal, but as transformation, rooted in democratic resilience, cultural sovereignty and European integration.”
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Recent Russian attacks have targeted vital civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, leaving millions of people without electricity, heating or water in freezing conditions. Hospitals, schools and homes are struggling. Ukrainian cities require immediate support, including high-voltage generators, transformers, mobile boiler units and solar panels. If your city can help, please contact the Eurocities team now.
