Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine impacts the understanding of preparedness and resilience across Europe. Ukrainian municipalities and local non-state actors have developed innovative approaches to supporting communities and maintaining societal resilience under conditions of extreme crisis. This panel explores what Baltic and Nordic countries can learn from these experiences. The panel aims to highlight sector-specific challenges, as well as the strategies developed to overcome them. By examining both Ukrainian experiences and Nordic-Baltic preparedness efforts, the panel seeks to identify practical lessons for strengthening resilience at the local level. Particular attention will be paid to how municipalities, civil society actors, and local communities can contribute to preparedness planning in an increasingly uncertain security environment.