Urban Resilience in EU Cities: Insights from Ukrainian Citizens with an Understanding of War Risks

Abstract

This paper considers into urban resilience by drawing insights from Ukrainian citizens who have firsthand experience with the risks of war, aiming to provide practical lessons and examples to enhance urban adaptability and preparedness. Their unique perspective enriches the discourse on urban resilience in EU cities, shedding light on the challenges faced in the aftermath of conflict. The narrative begins by highlighting the stark realities experienced by Ukrainian citizens due to the lack of preparedness in their cities, setting the stage for an exploration of resilience issues post-conflict. Key areas of concern include energy system resilience, with real examples emphasizing vulnerabilities and the need for EU cities to fortify their energy infrastructure. This paper contributes to academic discourse while offering pragmatic lessons to inform policies and practices, fostering resilient, compassionate, and inclusive cities ready to face future uncertainties.