A special discussion was held in Washington, D.C., with leaders from Donetsk Oblast, who spoke about the work of local authorities amid the full-scale war, civilian evacuation, humanitarian response, and maintaining the functioning of communities near the front line.
This was reported Petrach Program on Ukraine.
On September 14, the Petrach Program on Ukraine, together with Ukraine Aid International, held a special discussion in Washington focused on the challenges of governing Ukraine’s frontline communities.
The event featured Yurii Vynokurov, First Deputy Head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration; Oleksii Vorobiov, Head of the Siversk City Military Administration; and Serhii Kaliian, Head of the Bakhmut District Military Administration.
During the discussion, the Ukrainian officials shared their experience of governing communities during wartime. They spoke about the evacuation of civilians, coordination of humanitarian assistance, support for critical infrastructure, and ensuring the operation of essential public services despite constant shelling.
“For more than four years, these leaders have been responsible for governing communities amid relentless missile attacks, civilian evacuations, damaged and destroyed infrastructure, and ongoing humanitarian challenges,” the event organizers noted.
The discussion was moderated by Marshall Mayer, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Ukraine Aid International, and Henry Hale, Director of the Petrach Program on Ukraine. Opening remarks were delivered by Henry Hale and Harris Mylonas, Director of the Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies.
Participants also discussed the resilience of frontline communities, the challenges of Ukraine’s future reconstruction, and the role of international cooperation in supporting the regions most affected by Russian aggression.
The program included a multimedia presentation, a moderated discussion, and a question-and-answer session, during which the American audience had the opportunity to hear directly about the realities of wartime governance from Ukrainian leaders working every day in frontline communities.
Background
Yurii Vynokurov Yurii Vynokurov serves as First Deputy Head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, where he helps lead the government of one of Ukraine’s most heavily affected frontline regions during Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion. He has held this position since February 2024, bringing more than three decades of professional and public service experience to the regional administration.
A native of Donetsk, Mr. Vynokurov has extensive experience in regional government, infrastructure, and capital development. He joined the Donetsk Regional State Administration in 2006 and went on to serve in senior leadership positions overseeing capital construction and infrastructure, including nearly a decade as Director of the Department of Capital Construction.
Mr. Vynokurov holds degrees in computer systems engineering, law, and public administration, including a master’s degree in Public Administration from V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University.
His service to Ukraine has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Order of Merit, Third Class, the Medal “For the Defense of Ukraine,” and distinctions recognizing his contribution to the defense and resilience of Donetsk Oblast.
As First Deputy Head of the regional administration, Mr. Vynokurov continues to support the leadership of Donetsk Oblast in sustaining communities, critical infrastructure, and essential government functions under extraordinary wartime conditions.
Oleksii Vorobiov Oleksii Vorobiov serves as the Head of the Siversk City Military Administration in Donetsk Oblast, where he leads one of Ukraine's frontline communities during Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion. Since his appointment in 2022, he has overseen the city's wartime administration, coordinating humanitarian assistance, maintaining essential public services, working with Ukrainian military authorities, and partnering with international organizations to support residents living under constant security threats.
A native of Donetsk Oblast, Mr. Vorobiov has a background in engineering, public administration, and public service. Before assuming his current role, he served as Deputy Head of the Mariupol District State Administration and was elected to local government, gaining extensive experience in regional governance and community development.
As Head of the Siversk City Military Administration, Mr. Vorobiov continues to lead efforts to protect civilians, sustain local government operations, and strengthen partnerships with communities and organizations worldwide. Under his leadership, Siversk established a Sister City partnership with Weston, Connecticut, fostering international cooperation and humanitarian support for one of Ukraine's frontline communities.
Sergii Kaliian Sergii Kaliian serves as the Head of the Bakhmut District Military Administration in Donetsk Oblast, one of Ukraine's most heavily impacted frontline regions. Since 2022, he has led the district's civilian administration during Russia's full-scale invasion, overseeing emergency response, civilian evacuations, humanitarian coordination, and the continuity of essential government services under extraordinary wartime conditions.
Mr. Kaliian has dedicated his career to public service. Before assuming his current role, he served as First Deputy Head of the Bakhmut District Administration and previously held senior leadership positions in both the Kostiantynivka and Bakhmut district administrations. Earlier in his career, he worked in Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs and in the private sector as a legal and financial expert.
He holds degrees in Law and Public Administration, combining legal expertise and public-sector leadership to guide one of Ukraine's most challenging districts through the ongoing war.
Photo: Petrach Program on Ukraine
Author: Inna Mikhno