Ukrainian Hinterland: How Rural Communities Are Adapting to the Challenges of War

How are rural communities coping with labour shortages, population displacement and pressure on local budgets? A new study by the Strategiko Analytical Group, published by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Ukraine, examines these questions in Rivne, Khmelnytskyi and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.

Key findings:
• Labour shortages and demographic change: migration and mobilisation have reduced the availability of skilled workers in essential services.
• Financial constraints: outdated population data and growing service needs place pressure on local budgets.
• Strategic planning: development strategies are not always linked to realistic resources and priorities.
• Local resilience: communities are finding new approaches to healthcare, energy efficiency, social support and international cooperation.

The report also addresses the integration of internally displaced persons, veterans and women, and the role of civil society and trade unions. It offers recommendations for local and national policymakers.

Read the full publication (in Ukrainian): https://collections.fes.de/publikationen/content/titleinfo/2184683