Today, the concert of gratitude of Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble BARVINOK from the partner city of Vinnytsia took place. It was dedicated to the people of Panevėžys, who support Ukraine and its people in their difficult times.

"Today's event is an example of extraordinary friendship between countries, nations and cities. On February 24th, when Russia started a bloody war in Ukraine, we could not remain indifferent. We all did what we could to help the friendly people of Ukraine. Everyone's attention, even the smallest contribution, was important to those who faced the reality of war. We have lovely guests here today. The team of our partner city Vinnytsia came to Panevėžys to thank us for our support and donations provided. There is no more sincere gesture of thanks than this one. I thank the team and the Mayor of Vinnytsia for the initiative. Today we once again have the opportunity to say - we will stay together until victory. Together, we will continue to create success stories for our countries. Slava Ukraini!", said Panevėžys Mayor Rytis Račkauskas.

BARVINOK is one of the best choreographic ensembles of Ukraine and was created in 1984. The creator and artistic director of the ensemble is the People’s artist of Ukraine Petro Boyko. He was handed over a number of national and international awards for various merits. The members of the ensemble are over 1 700 girls and boys. The splendid masterly execution, the brilliant acting technique of young dancers, the artistic perfection of each turn, flamboyant palette of costumes and the wealth of the musical illustration are the components of the success of the ensemble.

Soon after the start of the war in Ukraine, Panevėžys has been maintaining constant contacts with its partner city Vinnytsia. Various support actions were organized. The national flag of Ukraine was hoisted on the Municipal building, in the evening the building was illuminated with a symbolic installation - the colours of the Ukrainian flag – thus, expressing support for its people. A unity and solidarity campaign "Freedom shines" was held. The people of Panevėžys have been collecting donations of food and hygiene products for the Ukrainians fighting for the freedom of the nation.

We would like to remind that since 2015, Vinnytsia and Panevėžys are partner cities. The main goal of cooperation between partners is the development and strengthening of ties between urban communities on the basis of partnership, friendship and cooperation.