Leeds to sign oath of friendship with Kharkiv in Ukraine

Kharkiv lies in the north-east of Ukraine, close to the Russian border

Leeds is to sign an oath of friendship with the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which remains under siege from Russia.

The city council's executive board approved the decision at a meeting on Wednesday, with the oath to be signed in December.

Leeds formally twinned with Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, last year in the wake of Russia's invasion.

Council deputy leader Jonathan Pryor said the oath was the "next stage in the relationship" between the cities.

He told the executive board: "I do think this is something really important we can do as a city as the war continues, showing our support for the people of Kharkiv.

"The partnership will change in nature. At the moment it's around our support for refugees.

"But I really hope as the war hopefully comes to an end soon, the relationship can move to culture, education and business links as our friendship deepens."

The oath will be signed by Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov at a meeting with Leeds' Lord Mayor Al Garthwaite in Prague next month.