Highland Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ivano Frankivsk Regional State Administration in western Ukraine, marking a new phase of cooperation between the two regions.
The agreement was formally signed in London by Council Convener Bill Lobban and Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, with regional head Svitlana Onyshchuk joining the ceremony online.
The partnership sets out a shared intention to strengthen ties across economic development, education, energy and tourism, while creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and future investment.
Ivano Frankivsk, a largely rural region bordering Romania, has a population of around 1.37 million and shares several characteristics with the Highlands, including a strong focus on agriculture, forestry, renewables and tourism.
While the agreement does not create legal or financial obligations, it provides a framework for future collaboration and the development of specific projects over the coming years.
Councillor Bill Lobban said:
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents an important expression of friendship and support between the Highlands and the people of Ukraine.
“Highland Council has steadfastly supported the people of Ukraine over the last four years as they continue to defend themselves.
“Highland Councillors previously agreed to disinvest the Highland Council Pension Fund and all associated investment funds under the Council’s control from all Russian companies.
“The Council has also granted the Freedom of the Highlands to the President of Ukraine.
“We have welcomed Ukrainians into our communities and into our homes as the Council played an active role in supporting Ukrainians arriving in the region through both UK wide and Scottish Government schemes.
“This Memorandum of Understanding with the Ivano Frankivsk Region of Ukraine will continue to publicly reinforce our support.
“The Ivano Frankivsk Region shares many similarities with Highland, from its rural economy and natural environment to its focus on renewables, education and tourism. We hope that this agreement will create valuable opportunities to share knowledge, build connections and support long term cooperation that benefits both communities in the future.”
General Valerii Zaluzhnyi said:
“Today, we are witnessing a truly remarkable event, the establishment of a partnership between two important regions of Ukraine and the UK.
“I hope this marks the beginning of fruitful cooperation across all key areas.
“I express my sincere gratitude to our British partners and believe that our regions will become true friends.”
Svitlana Onyshchuk said:
“Cooperation with international partners is the key to the development of the region.
“In recent years, more than 50 international technical assistance projects have been implemented in the Ivano Frankivsk region.
“I am confident that by joining our efforts, we will be able to reach even more families in need of support during these challenging times.”
The Ukrainian region has been at the forefront of supporting displaced people since the start of the war, while also working to rebuild its economy and develop rehabilitation services for those affected.
More than 200 relocated businesses are now operating in Ivano Frankivsk, helping to sustain jobs and support local communities.
The agreement will run for an initial five year period and may lead to further project specific partnerships as areas of cooperation are developed.
It also aligns with wider agreements between the United Kingdom and Ukraine, reflecting ongoing support at both national and local level.
