“ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy expresses its deep concern regarding the recent media report published by Bihus.info, which accuses our association of being an instrument of pro-Russian ambitions in Ukraine. These claims are entirely unfounded and misleading, and we reject them in the strongest terms. ALDA and its members have always supported Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor. We are partners of the key European organisations such as the European Commission, the Council of Europe and the European Committee of the Regions, recognised for capacity and ethical approach. 

Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, ALDA has not only reaffirmed its political support for Ukraine but has also significantly scaled up its operational engagement across the country. Through our network of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), partnerships with Ukrainian municipalities, civil society organisations, and European institutions, we have contributed actively to Ukraine’s recovery and decentralisation process, as well as to the country’s path toward European integration and raised awareness within EU public opinion on the utmost necessity to support Ukraine.” […]