Type of territory: active combat zone
Population: 28,000
Area of municipality: 544.1 km2
Priority project:
Emergency restoration work (reconstruction) of the administrative building
Additional peculiarities of the municipality:
Derhachi municipality historically served as the most populous municipality in Kharkiv district outside the regional capital, supporting over 44,000 residents prior to 2022. Positioned just 15–20 minutes from Kharkiv with direct rail and highway lines, the municipality possessed an exceptionally attractive investment climate. Its robust, export-oriented industrial sector successfully supplied European markets through prominent enterprises, including UBC Group (refrigeration manufacturing), Brig (marine and rubber products), Amkor (global packaging), Biofarm (veterinary pharmaceuticals), Sanoil (large-scale freight logistics), Realpaks (footwear and plastics), and Papa Carlo (premium door manufacturing).
Due to its direct northern border with the russian federation, the municipality became a primary target during the 2022 invasion, resulting in the temporary occupation of 40% of its territory and the extensive destruction of its industrial base, agricultural lands, and civil infrastructure. Following its liberation by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on 11 September 2022, the local administration immediately established a 24/7 Humanitarian Headquarters to coordinate critical aid, construction materials, and administrative services, while successfully maintaining uninterrupted municipal, medical, and emergency utility functions.
The security situation remains highly challenging. In 2024, border dynamics deteriorated, and by 2025–2026, the border zone faced severe aerial threats, with hostile forces enforcing a 10-kilometre deep strike zone targeting civilian transport and temporarily reoccupying the immediate border settlement of Veterynarne. Despite ongoing border hostilities and extensive mine contamination across agrarian lands, the local government maintains strong institutional resilience and continuity. The municipality is actively seeking strategic partnerships with international donors and development agencies to fund localised solar-powered energy grids, reinforced safety shelters for public institutions, and emergency reconstruction equipment to sustain long-term recovery of the municipality.
Contact: Mr Oleksandr Turenko, Deputy Mayor, turenko@di.gov.ua
