On May 26, 2026, the Mayor of Chortkiv, Volodymyr Shmatko, signed the Gas-Free Cities Declaration — an international initiative launched by Greenpeace. By doing so, the city in western Ukraine’s Ternopil region became the first city in Europe to officially declare its intention to phase out fossil gas in the municipal sector and accelerate the transition to 100% renewable 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. Chortkiv’s 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 Volodymyr Shmatko emphasized that signing the Declaration is not a symbolic gesture but a concrete commitment by a community willing to take responsibility for major decisions.

“Why should we phase out gas consumption? First, gas is a finite resource, and we must be prepared for the moment when it runs out. Second, gas is not clean energy. Third, gas is a weapon. Because of gas — including Russian gas — Europe has remained vulnerable to geopolitical pressure, and today we are witnessing the consequences in Ukraine. For Ukraine, phasing out fossil gas is not only a matter of environmental protection but also of security and independence,” said Volodymyr Shmatko.

The mayor also said that the community recognizes the responsibility that comes with these commitments.

“Step by step — through education and the implementation of renewable energy projects — our community will steadily move away from gas consumption. I hope we will achieve meaningful results,” — Shmatko added.

The Greenpeace Ukraine team emphasizes that Chortkiv’s signing of the Declaration is only the beginning of building a network of Ukrainian cities ready to embrace strategic change in the energy sector. We invite other Ukrainian cities to join the initiative and become part of the transition toward a safer, more resilient, and climate-friendly future. Chortkiv’s experience can inspire communities across Ukraine to implement transformative solutions that strengthen energy independence, reduce exposure to economic and security risks, and help build communities that are resilient and climate-friendly.