Mayor Olga Popenko addressed the Somerville City Council via video conference on the occasion of its adoption of the City of Pryluky, Ukraine, as a sister-city.

By Harry Kane

There’s a war at home and abroad, so as a method for advancing peace and progress, Somerville has just established a sister-city relationship with the City of Pryluky, located in the northern region of Ukraine, to stand in solidarity against authoritarian regimes that threaten democracy amid difficult and trying times.

A few weeks ago, At-Large City Councilor Wilfred N. Mbah was in Washington, D.C., at a leadership conference, where he interacted with Ukrainians from the Chernihiv region. This inspired his idea to sponsor a resolution to establish a bond with the Ukrainian city, which was presented during the latest Somerville City Council meeting on August 28.

“We are committed to fostering cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and international friendship,” said City Councilor Wilfred N. Mbah.

Councilor Mbah explained that the City of Pryluky shares similar values to Somerville, like community resilience, innovation, and civic pride. As a welcoming and globally-connected city, the Ballantyne Administration and the Somerville City Council believe creating a sister-city relationship with Pryluky will help foster opportunities for educational and economic exchange and reaffirm the values of solidarity and cooperation on a global scale.

“Establishing a sister-city relationship with Pryluky will allow Somerville to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, provide opportunities for cultural and educational exchange, and strengthen Somerville’s commitment to democracy, peace, and global cooperation,” said Councilor Mbah.

At-Large City Councilor Wilfred N. Mbah, sponsor of the resolution.

Pryluky’s mayor, Olga Popenko, connected by video conference during the City Council meeting on August 28.

“We are fighting for our very right to exist as a free, democratic state,” said Mayor Popenko. “In this struggle, we are becoming increasingly aware of how important it is to have friends and partners in the world.”

The people of Pryluky want the residents of Somerville to know that they see potential in a partnership, explained the mayor of Pryluky. In the speech, she outlined several areas of mutual exchange that could form the basis of cooperation, including international education efforts, cultural and art projects, business development, and humanitarian efforts.

“Most of us cannot fathom what you and your community have faced during this relentless war,” said Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne in a speech she delivered at the City Council meeting to the Popenko Administration. “I have no doubt that this partnership will strengthen our shared commitment to lasting and just peace for all.”

Uniting with like-minded communities on an international stage against authoritarian regimes that threaten democracies is a step forward to safeguard the freedoms of our future.

“Our city looks forward to our future as your sister-city,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “Both as an opportunity to liberate our communities and cultures, as well as bolster our roles as a place of peace and progress.”

Several City Councilors made statements following the interchange between Mayor Popenko and Mayor Ballantyne.

“I think all of us know that it can feel like we have no power to influence international events, but I very firmly believe that actions like this can have a really meaningful effect,” said Ward 3 City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen.

At-Large City Councilor Willie Burnley, Jr. started out by speaking directly to the people of Ukraine. “When we walk around Somerville, we see your flags. We see them on homes, we see them in cafés, we see them painted on fences, because the people of Somerville are the world. We have people from all over this beautiful world of ours that are connected to your community and many others.”

By connecting the two cultures, Councilor Burnley Jr. says both communities will be strengthened.

“Somerville, again, leads the way confronting issues, whether big or small, local or statewide, or international,” said Councilor Burnley, Jr.