In the first week of September 2024, a Russian barrage targeted the civilian populations and infrastructure of Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Lviv and Poltava.

In the aftermath of this deadly attack, AER President Albert Castellanos issued the following statement:

‘There are no words to fully express the injustice of such an appalling, callous attack on the innocent people of Ukraine. We are keeping the families and friends of the victims in our thoughts. The targeting of unarmed civilians further underlines the need for continued international solidarity.  The Assembly of European Regions will redouble our efforts to mobilise European and international support; working with our 130 members and partners and remaining steadfast friends and allies of Ukraine.”

The Assembly of European Regions also mourns the tragic death of Yaryna Bazylevych, Programme Manager of Lviv- European Youth Capital 2025. Our network had the privilege of working with her organisation on the occasion of the joint workshop ‘European Youth Capitals – Youth engagement in cross-border Cooperation’ during the European Week of Regions and Cities 2023. Her professionalism, dedication and passion will be sorely missed.