On the sidelines of the International Summit of Cities and Regions organized by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Caroline Leclercq, Deputy Mayor of Le Havre in charge of Culture and International Relations, visited one of the YaMariupol centers in Kyiv. Established by the Municipality of Mariupol, now operating in exile, the center provides support and assistance to residents displaced by the war.
For thousands of people forced to flee their city after its destruction and occupation by Russian forces, the center has become a vital source of support. It offers comprehensive assistance, including administrative and legal aid, psychological counseling, medical consultations, humanitarian assistance, and activities for families. These practical services help people rebuild their daily lives.
What stands out, beyond the quality of the services provided, is the determination of both the staff and the people they support. YaMariupol is more than a humanitarian center—it embodies the continuity of a community that refuses to disappear. Even under occupation and despite the widespread destruction, Mariupol continues to exist through its institutions, its people, and its determination to prepare for the future.
The visit reaffirmed the solidarity between the city of Le Havre and Mariupol, as well as their shared commitment to pursuing concrete and long-term cooperation in support of the city’s residents.
