Ross-on-Wye and Ovruch Formalise Twinning Friendship Agreement in Symbolic Online Ceremony
26 March 2026
The historic market town of Ross-on-Wye has officially entered into a twinning friendship agreement with the Ukrainian town of Ovruch, marking a powerful commitment to solidarity, recovery, and resilience between the two communities.
The agreement was formally signed during an online ceremony held at the Ross-on-Wye Town Council offices on Wednesday 25th March. The event, while celebratory, was a poignant reminder of the ongoing realities faced by Ukrainian communities. The start of the meeting was briefly delayed as representatives from Ovruch were required to take shelter following air raid alarms, underscoring the circumstances under which the partnership has been forged.
The twinning initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties, deepen friendship, and promote collaboration between Ross-on-Wye 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 facilitated by the Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Councillor Linden Delves, and the Chairman of Ovruch, Ivan Korud Yaroslavovych. Both leaders highlighted the importance of international cooperation and community-level partnerships in promoting peace and mutual understanding.
Dignitaries and invited guests attended the virtual ceremony, including Deputy Lord Lieutenant Col. Andy Taylor OBE, High Sheriff of Herefordshire Helen Bowden, Ukrainian Ambassador Valerii Zaluzhnyi, and Ukrainian Political Secretary Inna Pylypchuk, among others. During the event, the Ukrainian Ambassador noted that this agreement represents the 100th twinning partnership established between communities in the United Kingdom and Ukraine, highlighting the growing bonds of friendship between the two nations.
In a speech marking the occasion, the Mayor of Ross-on-Wye said: “Today, we bring together two communities. Ross-on-Wye and Ovruch. Two towns with their own histories, traditions 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.”
This twinning friendship 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.
Pictured above left to right: Karen Hall – Chair of Herefordshire Community Network for Ukraine, Will Lindesay DL – Chief Executive HVOSS, Mayor of Hereford – Cllr Dan Powell, Mayor of Ross-on-Wye – Cllr Linden Delves, High Sheriff of Herefordshire – Helen Bowden, Colonel Andy Taylor OBE DL and Cllr Ed O’Driscoll.
