Gravesham takes historic step of twinning with Chernihiv
- Kent With Ukraine
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Last Tuesday, Gravesham Borough Council took a historic step by unanimously agreeing to establish a formal twinning relationship with the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv.
The motion was proposed by Councillor Jordan Meade, Leader of the Opposition, and seconded by the Leader of the Council, Councillor John Burden. Its unanimous approval demonstrated a powerful sense of cross-party unity and Gravesham’s continuing solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
The motion recognised Gravesham’s long-standing tradition of town twinning as a means of fostering friendship, cultural exchange and mutual understanding between communities. It also acknowledged the devastating impact of Russia’s war on Ukrainian communities and local government, while commending the extraordinary efforts made across Gravesham to support Ukraine since 2022.
Over the past four years, residents throughout the borough have opened their homes to Ukrainians displaced by the war, raised funds and contributed to humanitarian relief efforts. The new twinning relationship will help commemorate that remarkable community response and ensure that Gravesham’s support for Ukraine develops into a lasting friendship between two communities.
The agreement follows a formal invitation from Chernihiv City Council and will create opportunities for cooperation between the two local authorities, as well as schools, community organisations, cultural institutions and businesses. The Council has committed to encouraging participation from across the borough and to taking the necessary steps to formalise the partnership through a Charter of Twinning.
This partnership is about far more than the signing of a formal document. It is about bringing people together, building meaningful connections and creating opportunities to share culture, heritage, knowledge and experience for generations to come.
Recognised as one of Ukraine’s Hero Cities, Chernihiv has demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience. The city endured a prolonged Russian siege and sustained extensive damage during the opening stages of the full-scale invasion, yet its people and civic institutions continued to stand firm.
Through this new partnership, Gravesham and Chernihiv will be able to learn from one another, develop educational and cultural exchanges and identify practical opportunities for cooperation. It will also allow residents of both communities to build direct and enduring relationships.
The unanimous vote marked the beginning of an important new chapter in Gravesham’s international relationships. It sent a clear message that support for Ukraine transcends party politics and that Gravesham intends to stand alongside Chernihiv during the war, throughout its recovery and long into the future.
Gravesham stands with the people of Chernihiv and with all those defending Ukraine’s freedom.
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