Vitalii Bielobrov is Deputy Mayor of the ukrainian city Kherson, one of the cities that has suffered and continues to suffer greatly from the Russian invasion. Despite the hardships, the residents show remarkable resilience and solidarity.
Many choose to stay, support one another, and continue fighting for their city. “In difficult times, you must have a BIG goal that will motivate you”, says Vitalii who also is participant in the ICLD-funded partnership project with Umeå municipality in Sweden. We present him in our series Champions of Local Democracy.
In February 2022, Kherson was occupied by the Russian military. In November the same year, the Ukrainian military regained control of the city. The situation in Kherson remains critical and is marked by constant Russian shelling. Although the city was liberated by Ukrainian forces in November 2022, it faces significant humanitarian challenges. Civilians are exposed to daily risks, and many buildings, along with critical infrastructure, have been destroyed. Russian attacks have intensified, including shelling of residential areas and educational institutions, resulting in loss of life and injuries.
Tell us about your experience and what initially inspired you to get involved in your community?
“For me, it all started in 2014, when EuroMaidan took place. EuroMaidan refers to a wave of pro-European Union (EU) protests and demonstrations that began in Kyiv, Ukraine in Nov 2013, and later spread across the country.
At that time, I felt that it was an important historical moment when I needed to get involved and influence the processes in the country and the city. Then I found like-minded people among my entrepreneurial friends, and we started doing some simple social projects to be useful and active. In 2015, we founded the NGO “We Are Khersonians”, and a year later we started to unite entrepreneurs for socially important causes in Kherson and founded the “We Are Khersonians Business Association”. Over five years of active work, my team has implemented a large number of social projects that have had a positive impact on the development of Kherson.”
How has your passion for promoting local democracy evolved over the years?
After 5 years of active work, studying and gaining experience in the public sector, I realised that I could take on more responsibility for the community. And in 2020, part of our team was delegated to participate in the local elections, as a result of which I and 6 of my colleagues became deputies at different levels. This is how my journey as a city councilor member and deputy mayor began.
What advice would you give to those who want to be more involved in the life of the local community or local government?
“To learn, to act, to take responsibility and to have a big goal that will motivate you when it is difficult. My goal is to help the city and Kherson residents survive today and rebuild the city tomorrow. I want to live in a Ukrainian, safe, modern and comfortable Kherson”, says Vitalii Bielobrov.
Kherson – Umeå
Kherson and Umeå municipality in Sweden were approved a municipal partnershp project in December 2024. The project will focus on urban reconstruction amidst the war’s devastation and involves the reconstruction and revision of the master plan and urban planning. Umeå’s experience is highly valuable for the reconstruction of Kherson, particularly in incorporating GESI (gender equality and social inclusion). The partnership is part of the ICLD network for democratic resilience.
ICLD Champions of Local Democracy
Gender or status does not matter, the important thing is that the person we are looking for has democratic values to live and inspire others. They may have gotten through difficult situations – but never backed down from the front lines of democracy, and they all have a personal story to tell. They have also been or are part of our operations. We present them in our series “Champions of Local Democracy”. Get inspired!