A solidarity partnership refers to all municipal relationships with Ukrainian cities that have arisen as a result of the Russian war of aggression - regardless of whether the links result in a formal partnership document or non-formalized cooperation. Following discussions with delegations from the Ukrainian cities of Shovkva and Nizhyn, Wolfsburg sought to establish two partnerships and also adopted these in the Council at the end of September 2023.

The decisive factor was the appeal made by German President Frank Walter Steinmeier and the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Selensky on October 25, 2022, who met in the Chernihiv region and symbolically assumed the patronage of the German-Ukrainian town twinning network. Among other things, municipal partnerships enable targeted, stable and rapid aid deliveries and the supply of essential goods, they promote the exchange of experiences and they are already making a contribution to the economic recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. Many municipalities have responded to the call so far. There are currently 197 German-Ukrainian intermunicipal relationships (as of 24.01.2024). This means that the number has more than doubled within a year.

Administrative and financial support is provided by the German municipal umbrella organizations, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Further support is provided by the Service Agency Communities in One World (SKEW), which is commissioned by the BMZ. Together with the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)/German Section and the Association of German Cities, it enables all municipalities to provide targeted and needs-oriented support to a Ukrainian municipality, even within the framework of a non-formalized solidarity partnership.

Wolfsburg was deeply shocked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the shock quickly turned into great commitment and extensive aid. At the end of March 2022, for example, an aid convoy organized by the administration set off for the Polish twin town of Bielsko-Biala to deliver relief supplies to Ukrainians.

But we want to help even more and, above all, in a more targeted way. The talks with the delegations from Shovkva and Nizhyn once again underlined how necessary our help is for the local people. That is why we did not decide in favor of one city, but rather both cities will receive our support. Among other things, medical equipment and vehicles are urgently needed. Inventories are currently being taken, particularly at the hospital and the professional fire department, in order to put together packages with the necessary material.

Wolfsburg is an international and colorful city in which almost 2,000 (as of 31.12.2023) Ukrainians have also found a home. Their willingness to help their country of origin and its people made the first contact with our solidarity partners from Nizhyn possible. Tolerance, peace and democratic values are the cornerstones of our way of life. If we can help, it is our duty and our self-image to do so. The great solidarity and continued strong commitment of the people of Wolfsburg reflects exactly that. With our resources, our network and our standing, it is our duty as a city council to lead by example.

In the short term, we want to help with donations of materials and vehicles and improve the situation on the ground. We cannot end the war, but we can help to mitigate its effects and consequences. At the same time, we all hope that the war will come to an end as quickly as possible. In the medium and long term, we are pushing for a close exchange between the administrations, cultural and sports sectors as well as the revitalization of the local economy.