“City Council of Panevėžys,

taking into account the unprecedented deployment of Russian troops at the border of Ukraine;

cherishing close partnership between Panevėžys City and Vinnytsia City which enhaces versatile cooperation between both cities;

desiring to support Ukrainian independence, sovereignity and territorial integrity with its internationally recognized borders;

expresses solidarity with the Municipality of the partner city and peolpe of Vinnytsia and Ukraine.

Слава Україні!”- announces the Declaration of the City Council.

“All of us are concerned very much about the possible Russian invasion due to the deployment of Russian troops at the border of Ukraine. Since 2015, Vinnytsia (Ukraine) has been the partner city of Panevėžys. We have the Agreement of Cooperation aiming at further development of civic society. Thus, taking into consideration the alarming and upsetting situation, we have to be in solidarity and support with partners in time of extreme difficulties“, - says the Mayor of Panevėžys City Rytis Račkauskas.

Taking into account the complicated situation at the borders of Ukraine, the Mayor Rytis Račkauskas has previously addressed a letter to the Mayor of Vinnytsia City Sergiy Morgunov and expressed support for Vinnytsia and all the people of Ukraine.

Today, the national flag of Ukraine was hoisted on the building of Panevėžys City Municipality. In the evening, the building will be illuminated with a symbolic installation - in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. It is the expression of support to Ukrainian people.

In the face of tensions over a possible Russian invasion, Ukraine declared "Unity Day" on February 16 and urged all  Ukrainians to raise the country's flag by their homes, perform the national anthem at the appointed hour. The aim was to show the unity of the country.