Zaporizhzhia and Belfort: the power of partnership

Zaporizhzhia and the French city of Belfort have been partners since July 1967. Before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, our cities primarily focused on educational cooperation.

In 2022-2023, Belfort repeatedly expressed solidarity and support for Zaporizhzhia. In 2022, the municipality organized a fundraising campaign to support Ukrainians, donating €5,000 to the Local Government External Action Fund (FACECO). Through connections between Rotary clubs, French partners also sent relief supplies to Zaporizhzhia, including defibrillators, water purifiers, toys, hygiene products, and food packages.

At the beginning of 2024, the City Development Institute of Zaporizhzhia established direct communication with the Belfort International Relations Department. Soon afterward, Belfort organized a new collection campaign among citizens and businesses to support its sister city.

As a result, in May, over 500 kg of humanitarian supplies arrived in Zaporizhzhia: food, hygiene products, baby supplies, and animal feed, all generously donated by the people of Belfort. The aid was distributed to assist socially vulnerable populations.

We sincerely thank our partners from Belfort for their unwavering support and solidarity during these challenging times.