Deputy Mayor of Kherson Visits Nantes: Focus on Reconstruction, Youth, and Solidarity Between Cities
The Deputy Mayor of Kherson, Vitalii Bielobrov, was welcomed by the City of Nantes as part of an ongoing effort to foster cooperation, share experiences, and support the reconstruction of a city heavily affected by Russian bombardments.
The morning began with a tour of Nantes and one of its rehabilitated neighborhoods. Nantes is widely recognized for its expertise in urban renewal and revitalization. Deputy Mayor Bielobrov was introduced to the Île de Nantes, a flagship example of successfully transforming former industrial sites—such as the shipbuilding halls—into vibrant cultural, economic, and urban hubs. It was an inspiring and highly relevant visit in the context of rebuilding Kherson.
Vitalii Bielobrov then met with several Ukrainian associations based in Nantes that are actively involved in humanitarian aid, supporting displaced families, and preserving Ukrainian culture: Toloka, the Franco-Ukrainian Socio-Cultural Center, Volya, Tryzub, and Avenir Franco-Ukrainien. These meetings helped strengthen ties with Ukraine and paved the way for joint initiatives. For the Deputy Mayor, maintaining a close connection with young Ukrainians who have moved to France is crucial: they are the ones who will return to Kherson to take part in the country’s reconstruction. Their international experience is a real asset for Ukraine’s future.
The day continued with a working lunch alongside Anthony Berthelot, member of the Nantes Metropolitan Bureau in charge of decentralized cooperation; Katarina Freter, Director of European and International Relations for Nantes Métropole; Aziliz Gouez, Nantes City Councillor and Vice President of Nantes Métropole; Lou Marzloff, advisor to Mayor Johanna Rolland; Martine Secher, Head of International Development at the Nantes Saint-Nazaire Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Frédéric Amiand, Director of the Europe Department at Nantes Métropole. The discussions were rich and constructive, focused on practical pathways for cooperation between Kherson, Nantes, and Saint-Nazaire. The city’s officials reaffirmed their commitment to providing active support, anchored in strong and lasting European solidarity.
The Deputy Mayor later met with Willy Quentel and Ana Humljak, representatives of the association ACCORD, which is involved in community education in Nantes. This exchange opened the door to a potential respite stay program for Ukrainian children in Nantes in the coming months—an initiative once again placing youth at the heart of these exchanges.
Alongside the signing of the partnership between Kherson, Saint-Nazaire, and Nantes, Vitalii Bielobrov also visited the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyards in Saint-Nazaire, accompanied by the Ambassador of Ukraine and local representatives. There, he welcomed the ongoing Franco-Ukrainian industrial cooperation.
This first visit marks an important milestone in building lasting relations between Kherson, Nantes, and Saint-Nazaire. A shared ambition unites them: to build bridges between territories and to support those working toward a just and lasting peace, solidarity, and reconstruction in Ukraine.
