THE start of an ceremony seeing Ross-on-Wye entering into a twinning friendship agreement with the Ukrainian town of Ovruch, was delayed for 20 minutes when the war-torn community was subjected to an air raid.

The signing of the friendship agreement represents the 100th twinning partnership established between communities in the United Kingdom and Ukraine.

The friendship agreement was formally signed last week and whilst celebratory, the twinning initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties, deepen friendship, and promote collaboration between Ross and Ovruch.

It reflects a shared commitment to supporting recovery efforts and fostering long-term connections between residents, organisations, and local leadership.

The agreement was signed by the town’s Mayor, Councillor Linden Delves, and the mayor of Ovruch, Ivan Korud Yaroslavovych.

Both civic leaders highlighted the importance of international co-operation and community-level partnerships in promoting peace and mutual understanding.

Cllr Delves said: “We bring together the two communities of Ross-on-Wye and Ovruch.

“Two towns with their own histories, traditions and their own proud identities. Though we are in different countries, we share common values. We value community, kindness and we value peace.

“This agreement is more than words on paper. It is more than a formal gesture. It is a promise. A promise to stand together and to learn from each other.

“Ross-on-Wye is proud to extend its hand in friendship. We look forward to building lasting friendship through education, friendship, mutual respect and shared experiences.

“The signing of this agreement is not the end of the process, it’s the beginning.”

Mr Yaroslavovych said: “Today is a very important, but special day, for the Ovruch community. The signing of this agreement, which will open numerous opportunities between the two communities, by sharing experiences, by supporting each other and working together.

“We truly hope this partnership will lead to joint projects in education, culture and community development. We are not waiting for better times; we are creating better times now.”

Mr Yaroslavovych went on to outline the effects the war has played on Ovruch with homes and buildings being destroyed and much of the essential infrastructure being damaged.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire Col Andy Taylor said: “We gather, not as two separate communities, but as members of one extended community, united by friendship, respect and a mutual vision for the future.

“We live in challenging times. We are aware of the dreadful time which Ukraine is suffering at the moment and the Ovruch community have not been spared from this. With the signing of this agreement the Ross community offers its support. A true and lasting bond has been established between the two communities.”

High Sheriff of Herefordshire Helen Bowden read out John Donne’s poem No Man is an Island.

The Ukrainian Ambassador Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said that this agreement stands as a symbol of hope and partnership, reinforcing the role that local communities can play in supporting one another during times of challenge and rebuilding.

Neil and Katie Fowler, who regularly travel to Ukraine as Ross-on-Wye for Ukraine, a private operation providing food, goods, medical supplies, said that they loved being part of this friendship twinning ceremony.