Kim will continue to develop the Association of Frontline Towns and does not rule out its transformation into a political party

Vitaliy Kim spoke about the future of the Association of Frontline Towns. Photo: NikVesti

Vitalii Kim, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and former head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, stated that he would continue to develop the Association of Frontline Towns and Communities. At the same time, when asked whether this initiative could evolve into a political party in the future, he replied that this was a possibility.

He made these remarks during a briefing on 18 July, according to NikVesti.

Journalists asked Vitalii Kim what would become of the Association of Frontline Territories, which he is developing alongside the Mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, following his move to the government.

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To which Vitalii Kim replied that the association is his personal initiative and is not linked to his position as head of the regional military administration.

«This isn’t an official matter — it’s a personal desire. I’ve been spending my own time on it, amongst other things. I won’t abandon this project. I’ve called it «South 2.0». All this talk and these plans are purely personal. Undoubtedly, there will be a handover of operational matters and those falling within the Regional Military Administration’s remit. Nevertheless, I have already discussed the long-term strategy with the government and the Prime Minister. We are drawing up the government’s plans, and we are also in talks with the Ministry of Economy. It will actually be a little easier for me to discuss the strategic vision for the south from the position of minister,» he said.

When asked to clarify whether the Association of Frontline Towns and Communities might in future transform into a political party and take part in elections, Vitalii Kim did not give a direct answer, replying: «Perhaps».

«Perhaps. After all, there are no political parties as such in Ukraine; we have parties named after surnames or individuals. So I understand your question,» he replied.

It is worth recalling that last autumn, information was circulating on Telegram channels suggesting that a political project might be created on the basis of the Association. However, the mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, denied this.

Following the association’s forum, which took place in Mykolaiv on 24 October, he emphasised that the Association of Frontline Towns and Communities was established to facilitate dialogue with the government and resolve regional issues, not to pursue political ambitions.

For his part, Vitalii Kim agreed that the Association of Frontline Towns and Communities could become the prototype for a new political force. At the same time, he stressed that this should not be the case.