On August 24, 2023, Paris celebrated a significant milestone in its relationship with Ukraine by inaugurating the “Kyiv Garden – To the Ukrainian People.” This event elevated the garden to a vibrant emblem of the unwavering friendship between Paris and Kyiv.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Parisians and their Mayor, Anne Hidalgo, have shown steadfast support for Ukraine. Paris’s solidarity has been reflected in actions such as granting Kyiv honorary citizenship in March 2022 and being named a “Rescuing City” by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in April 2023.
Earlier this year, the Paris Council officially renamed the garden “Kyiv Garden – To the Ukrainian People,” underscoring the deep bond between the two capitals and honoring Ukraine’s heroes. This dedication builds on the friendship pact signed in April 2022 in Kyiv by Anne Hidalgo and Vitali Klitschko, just days after the liberation of territories in the Kyiv region.
During the inauguration ceremony, Anne Hidalgo and Vitali Klitschko emphasized the garden’s role as a powerful symbol of France’s support for Ukraine’s fight for shared values.
A Living Symbol of Friendship and Hope
The Kyiv Garden stands as a testament to the historical ties between France and Ukraine. Its inauguration also highlights the ongoing work of Stand With Ukraine in fostering connections between French and Ukrainian cities.
In Paris, this solidarity extends locally, with partnerships forming between the 15th arrondissement and Pechersk, and the 18th arrondissement and Podil.
Far more than a mere green space, the Kyiv Garden is now a living witness to Franco-Ukrainian friendship, celebrating hope, freedom, and independence.
