Exeter City Council suspend link with Russian twin town
Council Leader, Phil Bialyk, says he is 'proud' of the city's response to the crisis in Ukraine
Last updated 11th Mar 2022
Exeter City Council have voted to suspend their civic relationship with a Russian city.
The Devon capital has been twinned with Yaroslavl since 1990, which is 160 miles north-east of Moscow.
Recently, the relationship has come under scrutiny following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Previously the authority said that they 'currently had no plans to alter' their link, but their leader - Phil Bialyk - later asked the council to suspend the city's 'civic relationship with Yaroslavl'.
He said: " I am sad that we are breaking civic relations with our Russian twin city of Yaroslavl. But we cannot work with the local government under these circumstances.
"We continue to have great admiration for the people of Russia, many of whom are running the gauntlet in supporting peace."
Cllr Bialyk adds that he is proud of Exeter's response to the crisis in Ukraine:
"Exeter is a city which always responds to people in need.
"We are a City of Sanctuary, we supported and participated in the refugee resettlement programmes for Syrian and Afghan families and have always taken in refugees, all of whom play an important role in the mix of our communities and help make Exeter the city that it is.
"Some of you will know about my Ukrainian heritage, and why it has been so shocking to see the people of that country going through very difficult times.
"The support that we had for the vigil in Exeter demonstrates that people want to support the people of Ukraine during this humanitarian crisis.
"We will be assisting local Ukrainians to facilitate them in helping to meet, exchange experiences and make contacts.
"We hope that whatever happens peace prevails, and people can return to their country and return to enjoying the life that they had."
Cllr Phil Bialyk - Leader of Exeter City Council
Elsewhere, Plymouth City Council has indicated that it will not break off ties with the Russian port city, Novorossiysk.