Panevėžys City Mayor Rytis Račkauskas received a letter from the mayor of the partner city of Vinnytsia Mr. Sergiy Morgunov expressing his gratitude for the support and assistance provided throughout the year to the people of Ukraine suffering from the war. 

"On behalf of the residents of the city of Vinnytsia and personally me, let me thank you for your words of support on the anniversary of the Russian invasion into Ukrainian lands. We are grateful to Lithuania for its constant and firm support of our country in the face of the threat. We constantly feel the support of our long-standing and loyal friends, such as the Panevėžys city community. I am sure that all your wishes will come true, the aggressor Russia will be defeated, Ukraine will achieve peace and prosperity, and our cooperation will develop for the benefit of Lithuania and Ukraine. We thank you for your solidarity and support!", says the Mayor of Vinnytsia Sergiy Morgunov.

On February 24, in remembering the beginning of Russian invasion in Ukraine, Rytis Račkauskas, the Mayor of Panevėžys City, sent a letter expressing words of support for the people of Ukraine suffering from the war: "One year has passed, marked by the brutal acts of Russian aggression. This is the year when the world watches the struggle of Ukrainian heroes for their Motherland, for the values that are precious to every person. February 24th was the day when Panevėžys gathered in Freedom Square and showed the sincerest support for Ukraine and its people. The solidarity action was also attended by a large Ukrainian community, which has more than 2,000 people in Panevėžys today. The fluttering flags of Lithuania and Ukraine, numerous lit candles showed much more than words can say. I want to assure you that we really want to see Ukraine and its people living in a democratic, united, prosperous country, a member of the European Union and NATO family".

On the evening of February 24th, the unity and solidarity action "Freedom Shines" was held by Panevėžys city municipality, patriotic Lithuanian and Ukrainian songs were played here, and the theatrical performance-campaign "Liutiy rik" ("Cruel February") of Panevėžys Puppet Wagon Theatre took place.