🇫🇷 🤝 🇺🇦 On June 6, 2025, during the International Summit of Cities and Regions held under the auspices of President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, a highly symbolic partnership was officially signed between the French city of Amiens Métropole — birthplace of President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron — and the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih — birthplace of President Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska.
The idea of this partnership was first raised during a question addressed to Jean-Noël Barrot during a visit to Dijon. Supported and promoted by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, it became a reality thanks to the joint efforts of many French and Ukrainian stakeholders.
Beyond current events, this partnership also echoes shared history: Kryvyi Rih, a major Ukrainian mining region, once exported iron ore to France, contributing notably to the construction of the Eiffel Tower. Today, a new connection is being forged between our two countries, grounded in solidarity and reconstruction.
The cooperation agreement signed in Kyiv focuses on three key areas:
– Culture
– Education
– Support for reconstruction
Since the beginning of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, many French local governments have mobilized in support of Ukrainian territories. This partnership is fully in line with this dynamic of active local solidarity.
It is part of the #MistoMatch program, which aims to build strong and lasting ties between French and Ukrainian cities, in support of reconstruction and dialogue between peoples.
Just a few days before the signing, Kryvyi Rih hosted a pétanque tournament as part of the Veterans Family Games 2025, bringing together Ukrainian veterans and their families for moments of connection and social rebuilding.
During the International Summit of Cities and Regions, Hubert de Jenlis, Mayor of Amiens, declared:
Amiens will of course be there, alongside the Ukrainian people and in support of peace in Europe.
A heartfelt thank you to Hubert de Jenlis, Mayor of Amiens, and Serhiy Milyutin, Deputy Mayor of Kryvyi Rih, for their commitment to making this partnership a reality. Thanks also to Pierre Heilbronn, Special Envoy of the French President for Aid and Reconstruction in Ukraine, and his team — especially Augustin Roncin. Finally, sincere thanks to the Delegation for Local Authorities and Civil Society (DCTCIV), as well as to Frédéric Cholé and Frédéric Blanc, for their continued support and dedication to making numerous Franco-Ukrainian partnerships possible.
Together, let’s keep building lasting bridges between cities and people.
