Baturyn and Cobham

Supporting Councils

IN A SHOW OF SOLIDARITY AND FRIENDSHIP THE VILLAGE OF COBHAM HAS TWINNED WITH BATURYN IN UKRAINE

Cobham, Kent – [11th March 2025] – This morning the village of Cobham in Kent has officially twinned with the historic Ukrainian settlement of Baturyn in Chernihiv Oblast, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the two communities and demonstrating support amid Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. The Cobham-Baturyn twinning agreement is the latest example of how communities across Kent are stepping up to support Ukraine in tangible ways.

Councillor Mike Booth, Chairman of Cobham Parish Council said:

‘We are thrilled to have signed a twinning agreement with Baturyn. The people of Cobham have been moved by the tragic events in Ukraine and by the signing of this agreement we are today reaffirming our support and commitment to the people of Ukraine. We very much look forward to seeing this relationship develop as we now set our minds to fully involving the entire community of Cobham.'

This twinning agreement, which was signed in a virtual ceremony this morning, follows Kent County Council’s (KCC) unanimous decision in July last year to enter into regional cooperation with Chernihiv Regional state, a northern Ukrainian region that has suffered significant destruction and previous occupation due to the war.

Kent County Council’s agreement with Chernihiv Regional State was established to promote long-term regional cooperation in a range of areas including business, economic development, health, education and advice and support around Chernihiv’s reconstruction efforts.

Cobham’s twinning with Baturyn today is a direct extension of this county-wide initiative, bringing the impact of regional cooperation to the local level. The agreement signed between Cobham and Baturyn builds on the extraordinary volunteer efforts already seen in Cobham, where residents and community groups have worked tirelessly to collect aid, raise funds, and support Ukrainian refugees since the start of the full-scale invasion.

County Councillor, Jordan Meade, Lead Member for Ukraine Co-Operation at Kent County Council said:

‘I’m delighted that Cobham and Baturyn have decided to enter into a twinning agreement. Cobham has shown incredible generosity towards Ukraine over the past two years, and today’s historic twinning with Baturyn is a powerful statement of our continued solidarity. We stand with the people of Ukraine, not just in words but in action and I look forward to supporting both areas in developing this special relationship long into the future’

It is hoped that the twinning agreement signed this morning, will pave the way for cultural exchanges, educational initiatives, and community-led projects aimed at supporting Baturyn’s recovery and resilience efforts. Over the past year, Parish Councillor Rosemary Dymond, who visited Ukraine back in 2024 as part of a humanitarian aid run, has been helping to coordinate activities in Cobham to support Ukraine,

Councillor Mrs Rosemary Dymond DL said;

'The Natty Knitting Group has been meeting weekly to produce hundreds of scarves, jumpers, blankets and other items to support our efforts in Ukraine. We are incredibly grateful for the involvement and support of villagers and look forward to continuing this work and involving others as this special relationship develops between our communities.

Baturyn, a rural city settlement with deep historical significance as a former capital of Ukraine’s Cossack Hetmanate, has faced immense challenges during the war, along with the wider Chernihiv region. By establishing this partnership, Cobham aims to strengthen cultural ties, provide moral and practical support, and demonstrate the enduring power of international solidarity.'

Speaking following this morning’s signing, Leonid Dusha - Head of the Baturyn Territorial Community said;

‘Thank you for your support and we look forward to working with Cobham. We want this interaction to be long-term and beneficial not only for us, but also for our partners.’

Oleksandra Khomyk, Director of the Department of Economic Development of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration said;

‘What each community has is experience that they can share with each other. This experience is diverse and in different areas. Therefore, our task is to promote closer communication between institutions, schools, museums, and people in order to develop this partnership.’

Notes to Reader:

No taxpayer’s money has or will be used to finance aspects of the agreement that has been between Kent and Chernihiv and Cobham and Baturyn.
The decision to formally enter into a twinning arrangement was made by a unanimous decision of Cobham Parish Council.
The agreement was signed in a virtual ceremony on the morning of 11th March 2025 with Parish Council Chairman Mike Booth, Parish Councillor Mrs Rosemary Dymond DL and Kent County Councillor Jordan Meade in attendance.