The new report titled "The First Line of Solidarity: How Polish Cities Supported Ukraine" presents the first comprehensive analysis of the scale, and forms of aid provided by Poland’s eleven largest cities to Ukraine. Authored by members of the Paradiplomacy Lab – Tomasz Kamiński and Natalia Matiaszczyk, in cooperation with the Union of Polish Metropolises, the report offers an in-depth examination of how Polish municipalities mobilized in response to the war.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Polish metropolises emerged as key actors in the humanitarian response. The study explores the dynamics of city-to-city cooperation, organizational mechanisms, collaboration with international partners, and the challenges faced by local governments during wartime.
Key findings include:
- Polish cities provided assistance to 74 Ukrainian localities, ranging from major urban centers like Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv to smaller towns in eastern Ukraine;
- More than 21.5 million PLN was allocated directly from city budgets for Ukraine-related support, excluding donations and contributions from municipal companies or external organizations;
- Aid efforts relied primarily on city partnerships, personal connections, and grassroots initiatives;
- Local governments played an important role not only as donors but also as aid hubs and intermediaries in international networks of assistance.
The report will be officially presiented on May 13, 2025, during the “Local Government Diplomacy” conference in Łódź.
You can find the report here:
English version On the Frontline of Solidarity - Report ENG
Polish version raport_UMP_UŁ_1_linia_solidarności