Focus on future as town twins with war-torn city

A twinning partnership between Malvern and a city in war-torn Ukraine has been signed, with the first community event taking place this weekend.

About 400 people from Ukraine are living in Malvern, many from Korosten, with the aim of the agreement to build understanding and support.

Ukrainian refugee Olha Kraievska came up with the idea, and a twinning agreement was signed in January by Malvern Town Council and Korosten City Council.

An open day on Saturday, with entertainment, information and refreshments, is already at capacity, said organiser Elaine Lawson, but more activities are planned as both communities look to the future.

Ms Kraievska, who works for Malvern Hills District Council, came to Malvern with other families fleeing the conflict in May 2022.

Her father, an active member of the Korosten community, died last year and she has dedicated the project to his memory.

Ms Lawson said, it was "massively important" for Ukraine to feel they were making progress and ties with the UK, and more widely across Europe, adding: "They need support at this awful time."

She said the two communities could benefit from each other in different areas, including economy, tourism and education, and that the Ukrainian community was particularly interested in democratic processes within the Malvern local authorities.

People who have left Ukraine are being supported by the council, Citizens Advice and community workers, and there are plans to provide mental health support, she added.

Ms Lawson also confirmed that talks are ongoing to bring school children from Korosten over to visit.

"We are twinning with a town in Ukraine – a country at war," Ms Lawon said.

"But it's still definitely a two-way process. People are now at war but they are focusing on looking to the future. It's a resilient town and a resilient country.

"It's difficult for them," she said, adding that more people had died in Ukraine in recent days.

"[But] they still have the passion and the drive to be looking at rebuilding and moving forward."

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