Derbyshire set for tie-up with Ukrainian region

Khmelnytskyi, in the east of Ukraine, has been struck dozens of times by Russian drones and missiles

Derbyshire County Council is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with Khmelnytskyi, a region in west Ukraine.

The partnership is intended to deepen understanding between the two regions, explore trade opportunities, and help demonstrate the UK's support for Ukraine.

Khmelnytskyi had a population of 672,000 people before the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, out of a total of 41 million Ukrainians.

Councillor Barry Lewis, the leader of Derbyshire County Council, said the authority's commitment to Ukraine "remains steadfast".

Welcoming 1,700 people

The council said it was approached by the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK about the idea of forming a link with Khmelnytskyi.

In January, the council and officials from Khmelnytskyi met to discuss how each could benefit from the proposal.

The move is now set to be signed off at a meeting of Derbyshire County Council's cabinet on Thursday.

Lewis said: "This initiative presents an invaluable opportunity to deepen our ties and foster meaningful relationships with Ukraine, aligning with national government policy.

"Derbyshire stands in solid support with Ukraine, reinforcing our dedication to supporting its people amidst these challenging times."

Derbyshire is among the largest recipients of Ukrainian refugees since the government encouraged people to host people leaving the country under its Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Since the scheme's launch, in March 2022, the council said it had welcomed nearly 1,700 people.

About 600 continue to be hosted in 280 Derbyshire-sponsored households, while 1,100 guests have moved on to social housing, privately-rented accommodation, temporarily left the county, or returned to Ukraine.