Zhytomyr is expanding its international cooperation network – the city council has signed an agreement establishing a partnership with the British city of Hereford. The decision was approved at the 61st session of the Zhytomyr City Council of the eighth convocation.

The document was signed by Halyna Shymanska, Secretary of the Zhytomyr City Council, and Daniel Powell, Mayor of Hereford. The agreement lays the foundation for long-term cooperation between the communities and sets out key areas of collaboration – ranging from supporting Ukraine’s recovery to developing partnerships in the educational, cultural, sporting, and economic spheres.

 

 

Daniel Powell, Mayor of Hereford, emphasised the symbolic and practical significance of this agreement:

‘We are building a bridge between our communities that will open up opportunities for cultural exchange, education, and cooperation... We recognise your courage and admire your resilience. May this Agreement mark the beginning of a lasting relationship spanning many generations. Unity is strength. Glory to Ukraine!’

Hereford is a historic town in the county of Herefordshire with a population of around 53,000. Since the start of the full-scale war, it has become a place of refuge for Ukrainians: over 500 people live in the town itself, with a further thousand or so within the county. Thanks to the ‘Support Ukraine’ project and the efforts of the Diocese of Hereford, Ukrainians are provided with accommodation, as well as assistance with paperwork, education, and medical services. As Lesley Grady, Project Officer, emphasises, the support from local residents often develops into lasting friendships and family ties.

In turn, Zhytomyr community views the partnership as a two-way process – with the opportunity not only to receive but also to share experiences. Halyna Shymanska noted:

‘We are sincerely grateful to the British people and the residents of Hereford for supporting Ukrainians during this difficult time... Twinning is not just an official status, but living connections... We are ready to learn and have something to share ourselves: our experience of resilience, the talents of our children... This partnership will benefit both communities.’

 

 

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, also joined the event, emphasising the importance of the municipal level in strengthening international relations:

‘I am delighted that Hereford stands together with Ukraine and my home region. The signing of this memorandum is not merely a formality, but represents real action and a connection between the communities of Zhytomyr and Hereford. I am grateful for this support,’ said Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

There was also a cultural element to the event: performances by the exemplary children’s choir ‘Hloriia’, the academic dance ensemble ‘Sonechko’ and the ‘Herford Ukrainian Choir’. The latter brings together local residents who are learning the Ukrainian language and culture through singing – yet another example of how the partnership extends beyond formal agreements.

Inter-municipal partnerships remain one of the key tools for community development and their integration into the international arena. The ‘Decentralisation’ portal features a dedicated section Partnership for Development and Recovery, which brings together best practices, opportunities, and examples of cooperation between Ukrainian communities and their international partners.

According to the Monitoring of the Reform of Local Self-Government and Territorial Organisation of Power as of 1 April 2026, conducted by the Ministry for Development:

• 491 community has international partnerships;
• 2110 agreements have been concluded;
• Cooperation covers 64 counties.

The highest number of international partners is recorded in Lviv (288) and Zakarpattia (286) regions.

Photo: Zhytomyr City Council