“I have just signed the Twinning Agreement with Francis Suarez, Mayor of Miami, on behalf of the Irpin municipality. Irpin became the only partner city of Miami out of all the cities of Ukraine,” Oleksandr Markushyn, Mayor of Irpin, wrote late on November 14.

He also reported that on November 14, the unprecedented initiative — the collection of weapons by the Miami police for their counterparts from Irpin — reached its final stage.

“The Guns 4 Ukraine campaign was initiated by Chief Manuel Morales, Commanding Officer of the Miami Police Department, and Ken Russell, Miami City Commissioner, in June, and they have now handed over small arms to Irpin,” Oleksandr Markushyn informed.

He expressed his gratitude to Miami law enforcement officers for their support of Ukrainians and their safety. The Mayor of Irpin also thanked MPs of Ukraine, Marian Zablotskyi and Serhii Ionushas, for their support in the implementation of this initiative, help in organising the partnership and logistical assistance.

During the meeting with Florida partners, the parties also discussed the details of further cooperation such as the possible participation of Miami in the reconstruction of Irpin.

In March 2022, the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine initiated the International Marathon of Local Governments aimed at drawing the attention of municipalities around the world to the tragedy of Ukrainian municipalities and boosting the process of establishing sisterly relations. The Marathon brought together more than a thousand municipalities from 35 countries.