Somerset Council’s Chair Mike Best raised the flag of Vinnytsia in Ukraine outside County Hall in Taunton to mark the country’s independence day.
Somerset and Vinnytsia signed a non-legally binding agreement earlier this year to collaborate and explore opportunities for both areas.
The flag was raised to celebrate Ukraine’s independence and show Somerset’s continuing solidarity for Ukraine and as a message of support for Ukrainians now settled in the county.
The flag is due to fly again on 15 May next year to mark the first anniversary of the agreement, while Vinnytsia plans to fly Somerset’s flag on 11 May to mark Somerset Day.
Cllr Best said:
Raising the flag underlines our commitment to Vinnytsia and Ukraine. I am keeping in close contact with officials in Vinnytsia and both areas hope our close working relationship will be fruitful.
The Vinnytsia region, also known as Vinnytsia Oblast is in the southwest of Ukraine. Its administrative centre is the city of Vinnytsia, and it borders Moldova to the south. The region has a population of 1.5m (2022).
The economy of the region is focused mainly on agriculture, including grain and sugar production, minerals, quarrying, manufacturing and electricity generation are also important to the economy of the region. There is a growing digital sector and a thriving education system. The region of Vinnytsia also has rich historical and cultural heritage and hosts three of the seven Wonders of Ukraine which attracts a number of tourists each year.
