On December 6, 2023, the forum “Île-de-France and Ukraine: United Together” marked the beginning of a meaningful partnership between the city of Palaiseau, France, and Boyarka, a Ukrainian city in the Kyiv Oblast. This initiative, driven by Stand With Ukraine, is part of ongoing efforts to support Ukraine following the large-scale Russian invasion.
The forum brought together numerous stakeholders to foster the creation of new partnerships between cities in Île-de-France and Ukraine.
Jean-Pierre Madika, the elected official in charge of partnerships in Palaiseau, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating:
“They are already thinking about their reconstruction, and we will work with them on urban planning and cultural policy. But the first step of this partnership will also be to welcome children from Boyarka for a vacation as soon as possible. They need to forget the sound of sirens…”
That promise has now been fulfilled! The city of Palaiseau recently hosted Tetiana Kochkova, Deputy Mayor of Boyarka, along with a group of 20 children from Boyarka. This visit strengthened the bond between the two cities and explored opportunities for future collaboration. For a few days, these children were able to leave their daily realities behind and enjoy the vibrant life of Palaiseau.
The Deputy Mayor expressed her gratitude to the Île-de-France representatives, the Mayor of Palaiseau, and other elected officials, while also emphasizing the challenges Boyarka faces as winter approaches.
This partnership between Palaiseau and Boyarka serves as an inspiring example of international solidarity, one that Stand With Ukraine hopes to replicate with other French and Ukrainian cities.
Find the message that Boyarka’s Mayor, Oleksandr Zarubin, addressed to the people of Palaiseau:
