On May 21, 2026, as part of the regional platform “Dialogue Between Government and Business,” established at the behest of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, an online meeting was held on the topic: “The National Project ‘Side by Side: United Communities’: Regional Dimension, Opportunities, and Prospects.”
Over 130 representatives of business and government agencies from the Donetsk region participated in the event. The keynote speaker was Natalia Chukova, Head of the Department for Interaction with Local Self-Government Bodies at the Donetsk Regional State Administration. She presented the regional dimension of the national project “Side by Side: United Communities,” its key opportunities, and prospects for communities and businesses.
During the meeting, participants discussed issues of unity, resilience, mutual support, and cooperation among communities in the face of military challenges. It was emphasized that the project has become an important platform for uniting the efforts of communities from different regions of Ukraine, implementing joint initiatives, and supporting displaced persons and relocated businesses.
Natalia Chukova noted that communities in Donetsk Oblast have so far signed 115 memorandums of cooperation with 89 communities in 17 regions of Ukraine. Through these partnerships, the communities receive humanitarian, educational, cultural, sports, and health support, and also implement joint infrastructure and social projects.
Special attention was given during the meeting to opportunities for entrepreneurs. Thanks to cooperation between communities, businesses in Donetsk Oblast can relocate, continue their operations, and grow in safer regions. Opportunities are opening up for entrepreneurs in the service sector, food service, retail, and other fields. Large enterprises can also relocate production facilities and create new jobs.