Trostyanets becomes the First City to Sign the Gas-Free Cities Declaration in Sumy oblast in 2026.
During the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, the Mayor of Trostyanets, Yuriy Bova, signed the Declaration of Gas-Free Cities.
Trostyanets is a city that inspires not only other communities in Ukraine, but also people in Europe and far beyond. Its story of recovery from the Russian occupation demonstrates that green reconstruction is not about the distant future, but about real solutions that make communities stronger, safer and more resilient today.
The city is located only 35 km from the Russian border and regularly experiences attacks on critical energy infrastructure. That is why the development of decentralized renewable energy and modern energy-efficient technologies here is not only a matter of climate policy, but also of energy security and community resilience.
It was in Trostyanets that Greenpeace implemented the first project in Ukraine, in which heat pumps became the sole source of heating and hot water supply for an apartment building. This is one of the examples of how investments in modern technologies help cities gradually reduce their dependence on fossil gas. During the conference, Yuriy Bova also shared new ambitious plans for the green reconstruction of the city. We are convinced that they can become a reality with proper support and partnership.
Signing the Declaration of Gas-Free Cities does not mean an immediate refusal from gas. It is a commitment to move along the path of gradually reducing the use of fossil gas and switching to clean, renewable energy sources. For Trostianets, this is not a new course, but a natural next step. The city is already proving that the future lies in safe, clean and decentralized energy.
The initiative aims to create a network of cities committed to phasing out fossil gas in end-use consumption and transitioning toward renewable energy-based solutions. The first signing of the Declaration in Ukraine sends an important signal about the readiness of Ukrainian communities to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and implement climate-friendly solutions.
“Fossil gas is not only an environmental issue,” says Marine Abramyan, Green Energy Campaign Coordinator at Greenpeace Ukraine. “It is also a matter of affordability, security, and energy independence — issues that are critically important for Ukrainian cities. Trostyanets’ decision to sign the Declaration demonstrates how effective renewable energy solutions can be in the context of security challenges. Climate action has not disappeared as a priority, but for Ukraine, the transition to 100% renewable energy also means ensuring that people will continue to have light and heat even in times of threats to energy infrastructure.”
The Gas-Free Cities Declaration is designed to help cities accelerate the transition to efficient, affordable, and renewable energy systems in response to both climate and energy crises. Under the Declaration, signatory cities commit to:
- setting target dates for a complete phase-out of fossil gas and taking concrete steps to begin this transition;
- developing renewable energy sources for heating and electricity generation, improving energy efficiency, and advancing electrification;
- cooperating with cities at regional, national, and international levels to mobilize support and financing for a just energy transition.
Mayor of Chortkiv Yuriy Bova emphasized that signing the Declaration is not a symbolic gesture but a concrete commitment by a city willing to take responsibility for major decisions.
“Step by step — through education and the implementation of renewable energy projects — our hromada will steadily move away from gas consumption. I hope we will achieve meaningful results,” — mayor Yuriy Bova added.
