Italian and Ukrainian Mayors Forge Alliance Through Symbolic Agreement

Capaci and Pereshcepyne Mayors Sign Agreement for Cultural and Psychological Support

Published: October 26,2023

Teh Mayors of the municipality of Capaci,Pietro Puccio,and the Ukrainian Municipality of Pereshcepyne,Iaroslav Tsvirkun,signed a Memorandum of Understanding today. This agreement focuses on culture, history, education, and, crucially, the psychological rehabilitation of children from Ukraine.

The signing occurred during the “On the Way to Ukraine Recovery Conference,” organized by the Business Ombudsman Council, the Ukrainian civic defender, and held in Rome alongside the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine (URC2025).

mayor Puccio described the signed Memorandum as a “great step for a future of collaboration” and a “way to develop relations between Italian and Ukrainian municipalities.” He emphasized that the agreement gives “special attention to children.”

Mayor Tsvirkun, representing the municipality in the Oblast of Dnipropetrovsk, Eastern Ukraine, expressed hope that the agreement would “create a new friendly habitat among our municipalities.”

In an interview, Mayor Tsvirkun stated his desire to establish a new collaboration between Italian and Ukrainian municipalities. He specifically highlighted plans to collaborate on the psychological rehabilitation of Ukrainian children.

The Mayor envisions ukrainian children affected by the war having the chance to travel to Italy for periods of psychological rest, lasting a few days or weeks. Pereshcepyne is also prepared to host visitors from Italy, offering insights into developing commercial activities during wartime.

Tsvirkun believes this cooperation will serve as a foundation for a lasting partnership between the municipalities. Both sides are actively focused on municipal progress and preserving their cultural heritage, with ukraine preparing for its entry into the European Union.

This partnership exemplifies the growing international effort to support Ukraine and its citizens. It highlights the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in addressing the long-term effects of conflict, especially on vulnerable populations like children.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding? It aims to foster collaboration between Capaci and Pereshcepyne in areas like culture, education, and psychological support for Ukrainian children.
• Where did the signing take place? The signing occurred in Rome, during the “On the Way to Ukraine Recovery Conference.”
• What is Pereshcepyne’s location? It is indeed a municipality located in the Oblast of Dnipropetrovsk,in Eastern Ukraine.

Disclaimer: This article reports on an international agreement and does not provide medical, financial, or legal advice. For such advice, please consult a qualified professional.

Share this article with yoru network! What are your thoughts on this collaboration? leave a comment below.

What are the primary goals of the sister city agreements between Italian and Ukrainian cities?

The Growing Trend of Sister City Partnerships & International Solidarity

In a powerful display of international solidarity, mayors from several Italian cities have recently formalized agreements with their Ukrainian counterparts. These aren’t conventional treaties, but symbolic partnerships designed to offer practical support and demonstrate unwavering support for Ukraine amidst ongoing challenges. This initiative highlights the increasing role of municipal leadership in fostering international relations, particularly during times of crisis. The focus is on rebuilding efforts, humanitarian aid, and cultural exchange – strengthening ties between Italy and Ukraine at the grassroots level.

Details of the Agreements: WhatS being Offered?

The agreements vary in scope, but common threads run through them. Key areas of collaboration include:

Humanitarian Aid: Italian cities are pledging resources – medical supplies,food,and essential goods – to directly support Ukrainian communities impacted by the conflict. This includes support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.

Reconstruction Assistance: Long-term plans involve providing expertise and materials for rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the war. This encompasses schools,hospitals,and residential buildings.Italian architects and engineers are offering pro-bono services for initial assessments.

Cultural Exchange Programs: To foster understanding and preserve Ukrainian culture, initiatives are being launched to facilitate artist residencies, student exchanges, and cultural events in both countries. this aims to combat the erasure of ukrainian identity.

Economic Support: Exploring opportunities for Italian businesses to invest in Ukrainian reconstruction projects, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Focus areas include renewable energy and lasting infrastructure.

Psychological Support: Recognizing the trauma experienced by Ukrainian citizens, Italian psychologists and mental health professionals are offering training and support to their Ukrainian colleagues.

Specific City Pairings and Initiatives (as of July 9,2025)

While a comprehensive list is constantly evolving,several partnerships are already making headlines:

Rome & Kyiv: A broad agreement focusing on cultural preservation and the restoration of past sites in Kyiv. Rome is also providing logistical support for humanitarian aid deliveries.

Milan & Lviv: Milan is leveraging its industrial expertise to assist Lviv in rebuilding its manufacturing sector. A key component is a skills-sharing program for Ukrainian workers.

Florence & Odesa: Florence, renowned for its artistic heritage, is partnering with Odesa to protect and restore cultural landmarks damaged by shelling. This includes collaboration on digital archiving of at-risk artworks.

Naples & Kharkiv: Naples is focusing on providing emergency medical assistance and supporting the establishment of trauma centers in Kharkiv, a city heavily impacted by the conflict.

Bologna & Chernihiv: Bologna is assisting Chernihiv with urban planning and sustainable development initiatives, aiming to create a more resilient and eco-kind city.

The Role of Sister Cities: A Historical Outlook

the concept of “sister cities” – formal agreements between cities in different countries to promote cultural and economic ties – dates back to the post-World War II era. initially conceived as a way to foster peace and understanding, these partnerships have evolved to address contemporary challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and humanitarian crises. The current wave of Italian-ukrainian alliances represents a renewed emphasis on the power of local diplomacy. These agreements often bypass national-level political complexities, allowing for direct and impactful collaboration.

Benefits of These Alliances: Beyond Symbolic Gestures

These agreements offer tangible benefits for both Italy and Ukraine:

Strengthened Diplomatic Ties: Reinforces the strong political support Italy has shown for Ukraine.

Economic opportunities: Creates new avenues for trade and investment.

Cultural Enrichment: Promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Enhanced Resilience: Helps Ukraine rebuild and recover from the conflict.

Positive Public Image: Demonstrates a commitment to humanitarian values and international cooperation.

Challenges and Considerations for Long-Term Success

Despite the positive momentum, several challenges need to be addressed:

Funding: securing sustainable funding for reconstruction projects is crucial.

Logistics: Coordinating aid deliveries and ensuring efficient resource allocation can be complex.

Political Instability: The ongoing conflict poses a risk to the implementation of long-term plans.

Bureaucracy: navigating differing administrative procedures in Italy and Ukraine can create delays.

Transparency & Accountability: Ensuring transparency in the use of funds and accountability for project outcomes is essential to maintain public trust.

Resources for Further Data

The Sister Cities International: https://sistercities.org/

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.esteri.it/en/

Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign affairs: https://mfa.gov.ua/en

Local Government Associations in Italy (ANCI): https://www.anci.it/ (Italian language)