Council leader visits Ukraine to pledge solidarity

Kent County Council Leader Roger Gough visited Ukraine with with fellow Conservative councillor Jordan Meade

The leader of Kent County Council (KCC) has visited Ukraine to pledge solidarity, friendship and cooperation with a region in the war-torn country.

KCC's leader, Roger Gough, signed the previously-agreed memorandum of understanding (MOU) while in the Chernihiv region with fellow Conservative councillor Jordan Meade.

It follows the council's resolution in July to develop and deepen co-operation between the county and the region in the north of the Ukraine, which shares a border with Belarus and Russia.

Gough said: “This collaboration and sharing of knowledge and expertise, from the economy, to education, agriculture and technology, is the start of a commitment to help Ukraine rebuild in peace."

The MOU follows the council's resolution in July to develop co-operation with the region

The MOU, designed to explore the transfer of knowledge as well as cultural and educational exchanges, and business opportunities, was signed by the head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration Vyacheslav Chaus as well as Gough and Meade.

Gough said: "We stand with the people of Chernihiv to find a path to a stronger and brighter future.”

Gough and Meade, who paid for the trip themselves also visited a school basement in the village of Yahidne and were told by survivors of what happened during the Russian occupation.

KCC is looking for businesses, organisations and volunteers to help deliver the objectives of the partnership

In a letter to Gough, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom, said: "The people of Kent have demonstrated remarkable solidarity, from fundraising efforts to warmly welcoming Ukrainians into their homes."

Meade, who has been to Ukraine a number of times since the Russian invasion to help deliver aid donated by Kent residents and businesses, said: “I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people and businesses of Kent, who have donated items ranging from children’s books to medical supplies.