Strengthening cooperation at the interregional and intermunicipal levels is crucial for achieving a just and sustainable peace, as well as for Ukraine’s recovery and European integration. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during his speech at the 3rd International Summit of Cities and Regions “United for Peace and Security,” held in Kyiv.
The Head of State noted that overnight, Russia once again launched strikes on cities across Ukraine, damaging residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.
“This is what the Russian war is – they are waging war against cities and against life itself. Wherever the Russian army has set foot on Ukrainian soil, wherever there is, unfortunately, Russian occupation – normal life has vanished. In some cities, tragically, nothing remains at all – only scorched ruins,” he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that establishing peace is a task not only for national-level politicians, which is why it is vital for mayors and community leaders to contribute as well. He called for support for measures that apply fair pressure on Russia, including the introduction of new, effective sanctions.
“The most important thing we can achieve together is ending the war with a dignified peace and establishing reliable security guarantees for Ukraine and for all of Europe – so that no one in Europe has to fear being left unprotected. We can do this,” the Head of State emphasized.
He thanked all participants for their unity with Ukraine, their support for Ukrainians, and their cooperation. Thanks to collaboration with partners from Europe, the United States, and other countries, hundreds of infrastructure facilities have already been rebuilt. This cooperation helped Ukraine get through challenging winters and secure over 7,000 units of energy equipment.
For their significant personal contributions to providing charitable and humanitarian assistance amid the Russian Federation’s armed aggression, and for their support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, President Zelenskyy presented the Golden Heart award to Véronique Bertholle, Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg (France); Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe; Linda Ludmila Mai, Head of the German-Ukrainian organization Blau-Gelbes Kreuz (Germany); Yoshihiko Okabe, Director of the Matsuguchi Tadashi Ukraine Research Center at Kobe Gakuin University and Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Kobe (Japan); Alfred Riedl, Mayor of Grafenwörth (Austria); Eirik Lae Solberg, Governing Mayor of Oslo (Norway); and Klen Jäärats, Executive Director of the Estonian Centre for International Development.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy established the Golden Heart award in 2022. Since then, this special distinction has been presented by the Head of State to individuals who have made significant contributions to volunteer assistance and the development of the volunteer movement.
