Effects of the Ukrainian decentralisation reform on social cohesion in Ukraine's border regions

Ukraine's decentralisation reform which was launched in 2015 has given more power and resources to the municipalities (hromadas). A main feature of the reform has been the amalgamation of small local communities into larger and more viable territorial units. This has, among other things, implied a mix of populations formerly living in smaller, more homogeneous local communities. Based on case studies in two border regions (Kharkiv and Chernivtsi) we have investigated whether issues of social cohesion, including ethno-cultural aspects, have been on the agenda when these new amalgamated territorial communities (ATCs) have been formed, and the effects of the reform on social cohesion, including relations between ethno-cultural groups, in these new entities. Implications for the local responses to the Russian invasion will also be discussed.