The discussions follow a motion passed unanimously by Herefordshire Council in July, which called for talks with the leadership of Zhytomyr Oblast with a view to developing a long-term partnership based on friendship, cooperation and mutual benefit. The motion came as Herefordshire marked another significant milestone in its support for Ukraine, having welcomed more than 1,000 Ukrainian guests through the Homes for Ukraine scheme since its launch in 2022.

The meeting brought together representatives from Herefordshire Council and the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration. Despite its name, the administration is the regional executive authority responsible for civilian government in Zhytomyr, with additional defence and emergency responsibilities under martial law. It is led by Vitalii Bunechko, who has headed the region’s administration since 2019.

Taking part from Ukraine were Vitalii Bunechko, Chief of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration; Nataliia Arendarchuk, Deputy Chief; and Pavlo Kuts, Director of the Department of Agro-Industrial Development and Economic Policy.

Discussions focused on four areas of particular interest: education and children and young people; agriculture; economic growth; and defence technologies.

Zhytomyr, in northern Ukraine, has a population of around 1.2 million people and a strong agricultural economy, alongside significant manufacturing, forestry and natural resources sectors.

Like many parts of Ukraine, the region has faced considerable challenges as a result of the war, including damage to homes and infrastructure and the need to support people displaced by the conflict.

Cllr Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said:

“It was a real privilege to speak with our colleagues from Zhytomyr and to hear directly about their region, the challenges they continue to face and their ambitions for the future.

“There are some striking similarities between our two regions, particularly the importance of agriculture and rural communities, and there are clear areas where we could learn from each other and develop some really worthwhile connections.

“Our conversation covered education and opportunities for young people, agriculture, economic growth and technology. We are now looking at how we can turn those shared interests into practical cooperation.

“Most importantly, this is about building a meaningful relationship with the people of Zhytomyr and demonstrating that Herefordshire stands with the people of Ukraine.”

The discussions form part of work towards establishing a more formal relationship between Herefordshire and Zhytomyr. A draft Memorandum of Understanding has been shared and further discussions will consider what the two areas could offer each other and where future cooperation could have the greatest benefit.

Representatives from Zhytomyr also outlined opportunities for international partnership and investment across the region, including agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing and construction.