Hertfordshire signs cooperation agreement with Sumy region in Ukraine

Published: 28 May 2026

A pledge to work closely on areas including education, the economy and science and technology has been signed by Hertfordshire County Council and the Sumy region.

The MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed by local politicians at the International Summit of Cities and Regions in Kyiv this week.

Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, who signed the agreement for Hertfordshire County Council, said:

"Our county has a proud history of international partnership and collaboration, and I am delighted to deepen our ties still further with the Sumy region in Ukraine.

"By signing this agreement, we are turning shared ambition into a framework for delivery. We are working together to create a meaningful and lasting impact."

Other areas included in the agreement are agriculture and food, energy, humanitarian assistance, environmental sustainability and climate change. The MOU will aim to achieve knowledge transfer, educational and trade exchanges, and encourage inward investment opportunities between the Parties.

Leader of the Council Steve Jarvis said:

"I am honoured that we in Hertfordshire can be part of the road to recovery for Ukraine, whilst also helping our businesses, charities and educational institutions at home.

"Hertfordshire residents continue to support Ukraine in the Homes for Ukraine scheme and in so many other ways. This agreement takes it one step further, into a more lasting shared commitment to partnership, progress, and practical action together. It marks the beginning of closer collaboration for the benefit of all."

Both regions will now exchange information on these areas, including linking up contacts to help support businesses, educational institutions, voluntary and charity organisations benefit on both sides.

Oleh Hryhorov, Head of the Sumy Regional State Administration - Region Military Administration, said:

"This memorandum is a blueprint for practical action. Despite the daily challenges on the frontline, the Sumy region is focused on recovery and development. We deeply value Hertfordshire's solidarity, support, and trust, and are ready to work together on concrete projects across all agreed areas that will bring tangible benefits to both communities."

The pledge follows the four-year anniversary since the first Ukrainians came to Hertfordshire, seeking refuge from the conflict in Ukraine. It formalises a long-standing relationship that the council has developed with the Sumy region in particular, which is in north east Ukraine. It includes humanitarian aid trucks sent to Sumy to help residents - the most recent during this trip and in March, supported by volunteers from Herts Fullstop at the County Council and partners.

Hertfordshire residents have and continue to support Ukrainians here under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Over 2,700 have been given refuge in the county since the conflict began, hosted by over 1,100 residents. The Homes for Ukraine Team are always looking for more residents to host existing guests (called rematch hosting).

You can find out more here www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/UkrainecampaignSF