Association of Frontline Cities has emerged as institution of collective influence and platform for joint programs – Kim

Vitaliy Kim, head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, has said that he believes the goal of creating the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities of Ukraine has been achieved and that it has become an effective political tool.

In an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine, Kim stated that the intention was to create a platform for exchanging experience and ideas and for the joint protection of the interests of frontline regions. He noted that the Association currently helps these regions and communities convey their positions, maintain a dialogue with parliament and the government, and advocate for their own approaches to state projects. The Association has established itself as an institution of collective influence and a platform for forming joint programs and initiating projects.

Kim noted that the closest cooperation within the Association is with Kharkiv, whose mayor, Ihor Terekhov, serves as its leader, but interaction continues with all members. He explained that members constantly communicate, analyze data from various regions, and present joint proposals to the government, such as recent suggestions for the State Policy Strategy regarding internally displaced persons.

The head of the Mykolaiv regional administration also mentioned that he had received offers from Kyiv to take another position but refused. He explained that he has tasks in the region to fulfill and projects to complete, including pre-war initiatives. Kim emphasized that he and his family link their future specifically with Mykolaiv and that he wants to build a lasting system that functions effectively even after his tenure ends.