European mayors express solidarity with Ukraine

They have invited Kyiv to join the Pact of Free Cities

Earlier this week, the mayors of Warsaw and Prague visited the Ukrainian capital and invited Kyiv to join the Pact of Free Cities. Founded in 2019 by the mayors of Bratislava, Budapest, Warsaw, and Prague, the pact aims to strengthen the values of freedom, dignity, democracy, and the rule of law.

As such, the invitation to join the Pact of Free Cities can be seen as a demonstration of solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine, who are currently facing war threats and pressure from Russia.

The mayors of Warsaw, Kyiv, and Prague
(Source: Rafał Trzaskowski on Facebook)

European cities ally with Kyiv

In a press release, the City of Kyiv reported that both the mayors of Warsaw and Prague offered their support, with Mayor of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski stating:

“We are with you, as a nation and as a city. Ukrainians are the largest foreign community in Warsaw. They help to develop our city. We appreciate it. And we are very worried about the events unfolding in Ukraine. Poland is the first country to recognise Ukraine’s independence. We have always been friends and always ready to help.”

Mayor Zdeněk Hřib echoed this statement on Facebook, writing that Kyiv must remain a free city. Taking this further, he revealed that the three mayors discussed and exchanged experiences in the field of security, with both Warsaw and Prague offering their assistance if necessary.

Mayor of Gdansk expresses solidarity with Ukraine
(Source: Aleksandra Dulkiewicz on Facebook)

Several other members of the Pact of Free Cities, including the mayors of Gdansk and Bratislava, also sided with Kyiv, sharing messages of support online. Commenting on the importance of such actions, the Mayor of Gdansk Aleksandra Dulkiewicz wrote:

“I am convinced that providing support from the heart of Europe will help Ukrainians survive this difficult time.”

Showing solidarity makes a difference

Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko thanked the European mayors for their visit, noting that their show of solidarity can make a huge difference and potentially hinder Russia from invading Ukraine. More specifically, Mayor Klitschko commented: 

“Ukraine has never faced such a threat since its independence. Threat to their statehood, territorial integrity, their citizens. We are a peaceful state and a peaceful people. And we do not threaten anyone. But we will defend our freedom and independence, our land from any aggressor. 

And for us today, the support of every partner, every friend of Ukraine and Kyiv is important. And the broader and stronger such support will be, the more difficult it will be for Russia to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the probability of which is very high today.”