Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, pictured left, signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Serhii Tyurin, Head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration in Ukraine.
The agreement, forged after we were approached by the Ukrainian Embassy, sets out plans to share ideas and learn from each other in areas such as education, culture, local services, and economic development.
Benefits include looking at ways to boost trade and investment and sharing good practice in local government and community support, while showing support for Ukraine in line with national government policy.
Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, we have:
- welcomed thousands of Ukrainian guests through the government-funded Homes for Ukraine scheme
- helped provide safe housing and support for families
- supported schools and voluntary sector groups to welcome Ukrainians to their communities
- supported Ukrainian guests to find jobs in Derbyshire
Councill Leader, Councillor Alan Graves said:
"This partnership is about standing with the people of Ukraine and creating opportunities that benefit both regions.
“Derbyshire has supported more than 1,800 Ukrainian refugees since the start of the conflict.
“This agreement will help us build stronger cultural, educational, and economic links so that when Ukraine is finally at peace it can start to rebuild its industries and infrastructure so that its people may start to rebuild their lives.”
More than 1,400 Ukrainian guests remaining in Derbyshire with around 150 new arrivals each year. Many live within 260 host households, with the remainder of guests living in rented properties.
Mr Serhii Tyurin, Head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration, said:
“Khmelnytskyi Region sincerely appreciates this partnership with county of Derbyshire. It is especially meaningful to strengthen our cooperation in such a challenging time for Ukraine.
“We value our collaboration in economic development, community support, and business, and we will do our utmost to fill this agreement with practical and beneficial projects.
“We are deeply grateful to Derbyshire’s leadership and residents for their kindness, hospitality, and the support already shown to Ukrainians - it will not be forgotten.”