Oxford City Council has become the latest local authority to propose ending twinning arrangements with a Russian city.
In response to the Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine, the city council has put in place steps to end Oxford’s official twinning agreement with the city of Perm.
The local authority will also be flying the Ukraine flag from its flagstaff to show its solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Leader of Oxford City Council, Cllr Susan Brown, said that the war was a tragedy for Ukrainians and for Russian citizens who have been ‘plunged into this war against democracy’.
‘Our Lord Mayor wrote in strong terms to the Mayor of Perm condemning the invasion. We haven’t received a response to that letter,’ she said.
‘With the situation escalating and many thousands of lives being lost, we are, with a heavy heart, taking action to end our twinning agreement until such time as Russia’s appalling breaches of international law cease.
‘Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, and our Ukrainian residents in Oxford, at this incredibly difficult time.’
Durham County Council has also decided to end its twinning arrangements with the city of Kostroma, arrangements which have been in place since 1968.
‘In light of the military action being carried out by Russia, and in line with steps already taken by other councils across the country, we will be ending the twinning arrangements with Kostroma as a show of our opposition,’ said council leader Cllr Amanda Hopgood.
‘We wish to make it clear we do not blame people in Kostroma for the actions of their country's leaders. Our thoughts remain firmly with Ukraine.’
Wakefield Council has also announced that it will formally revoke its twin town arrangement with Belgorod and Exeter City Council is considering suspending its civic relations with Yaroslavl.
