Labour councillor Paul Goggin, representing Hartcliffe and Withywood, has welcomed Bristol City Council signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Odesa in Ukraine.
The agreement establishes a three-year partnership between the two port cities, creating a framework for collaboration on culture, education, sustainable development, creative industries, community connections and shared learning.
Fire engines, concerts and community ties
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Goggin has worked with Bristol’s Ukrainian community to strengthen links with Ukraine. As Chair of the Avon Fire Authority, he arranged for two fire engines that were set to be decommissioned to be donated to Odesa, and recently helped organise the “Voices for Freedom” concerts in which Odesit musicians performed in Bristol.
The partnership is intended to deepen economic and cultural collaboration and open opportunities for young people, businesses and humanitarian support.
Goggin: enduring bond between Bristol and Odesa
Councillor Goggin said:
“I am immensely proud that Bristol and Odesa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, formalising the enduring bond between our two cities. By strengthening economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties, this close relationship will benefit both Bristolians and Odesites.”
He added:
“Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Bristolians have stood steadfast with Ukraine and have welcomed refugees into their homes. We have donated fire engines that were set to be decommissioned to Odesa, arranged for aid to be delivered, and organised a cultural exchange where Ukrainian musicians performed two ‘Voices of Freedom’ concerts in Bristol — which were so successful, we are already looking to organise more. Building on these partnerships can only be a good thing for both our countries.”
Goggin said Odesa continues to face regular missile and drone attacks, which he experienced first-hand on visits to the city, and that it remains “as important as ever that Bristol continues [to stand] in solidarity with Ukraine”.
