Twin Cities of Vinnytsia Have Expressed Their Support Because of the Escalation of Russian Aggression

The twin cities of Vinnytsia, Birmingham (USA), Panevėžys (Lithuania), Peterborough (Great Britain), and the city of Tarnów (Poland), have expressed their readiness to help Vinnytsia and Ukrainians in the face of escalating Russian aggression. The building of Panevėžys City Council was illuminated with a symbolic installation in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, and the flag of Ukraine was raised.

Vinnytsia has close and long-term ties with cities of different countries. Because of the situation created by the Russian aggression, the mayors of these cities express their support for Ukrainians and Vinnytsia residents.

An official letter from the Mayor of Panevėžys, Lithuania, Rytis Mykolas Račkauskas, to Vinnytsia Mayor Serhii Morhunov said: "Following the historic uprising known as Euromaidan the Ukrainian реорlе made their final choice for integration with modern Europe. Since then they рау а high price to bе free, to bе democratic and to choose their own path. We know Vinnytsia as а city that actively works to cherish European values and is leading other Ukrainian cities along the chosen European pathway. We reaffirm our strong and full support and wish to see Vinnytsia in а democratic, independent, united and prosperous Ukraine."

On February 17, Panevėžys City Council (Lithuania) decided to declare its support for Vinnytsia and Ukrainians. The document reads: "City Council of Panevėžys, taking into account the unprecedented deployment of Russian troops at the border of Ukraine; cherishing close partnership between Panevėžys City and Vinnytsia City which enhaces versatile cooperation between both cities, desiring to support Ukrainian independence, sovereignity and territorial integrity with its internationally recognized borders; expresses solidarity with the Municipality of the partner city and people of Vinnytsia and Ukraine. Слава Україні!"

Also on February 17, an official letter arrived from Tarnów (Poland) from Mayor Roman Ciepiela. It reads: "When Ukraine declared independence on August 24th, 1991, Poland consistently supported it. We were the first to recognize the independence of our eastern neighbours, supporting their libertarian, democratic and pro-Western ambitions. I have invariably been of the opinion that Ukraine should be a free and sovereign state."

In addition, the Mayor of Tarnów (Poland) Roman Ciepiela said: “We are full of faith that Vinnytsia currently is and will continue to stay the city of free people. The long-term cooperation between our cities does not allow me to remain indifferent to the fate of our Ukrainian friends. I remain open to talks about possible forms of assistance that we can offer as a local government partner in the event of a conflict eventually occurring."

Representatives of the twin cities of Birmingham (USA) and Peterborough (Great Britain) also expressed their support and readiness to help.