ANALYSIS OF DECENTRALISATION PROJECTS IN THE CONTEXT OF RESOLVING THE CRISIS IN UKRAINE

The article discusses three decentralisation designs considered by either of the parties to the conflict in the east of Ukraine as instrumental in resolving the crisis: the devolution of power to local territorial communities, territorial autonomy of Donbas, and the federalisation of the state. While each of the decentralisation projects bears risks for territorial integrity and long-term development given the current level of state capacity, only the devolution of power to local territorial communities, if properly implemented, will delegitimise claims of the rebel groups in the Donbas region, prevent any secession attempts in the future, and strengthen the state.