On March 27, 2023, Svitlana Spazheva, mayor of Pokrovsk, a city in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, visited Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne in Seine-et-Marne, marking the beginning of a strong partnership between the two municipalities. This meeting was made possible thanks to Stand With Ukraine, which facilitated the exchange as part of the French municipality’s support efforts.
Moret’s commitment materialized through funding two generators, amounting to €3,000, to support Pokrovsk residents facing frequent power outages caused by the war. These generators, transported via Poland, were installed as early as November 2022, providing essential relief to a population enduring extremely challenging conditions.
The visit began with a reception at the town hall, attended by Hervé Jochmans, deputy mayor of Veneux-les-Sablons, and several Ukrainian refugees. It continued with a walk through the historic center of Moret and a tour of the methanization unit at the Renardières economic zone, showcasing the town’s dedication to sustainable development.
During the day, Ms. Spazheva shared a moving account of Pokrovsk’s dire situation, where 60 homes have been destroyed, and power outages last up to six to eight hours daily. “It’s difficult, but we hope to win. Your most important support is information. Every family in Ukraine has a story to tell! And I’ve realized that we can no longer live as we did before,” she said, emphasizing the importance of keeping international attention on the conflict.
In response, Mayor Dikran Zakeossian expressed his admiration for the courage of Pokrovsk’s residents:
“You are teaching us a lesson in courage and humanity.”
This first meeting laid the groundwork for a lasting partnership between Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne and Pokrovsk, highlighting Franco-Ukrainian solidarity during a time of crisis.
