Why it matters: The agreement commits both regions to long-term collaboration across nine key sectors, with the potential to deliver practical benefits through knowledge sharing, business exchanges and joint projects over the next five years.
The details: Cllr Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council leader, was joined this morning by Volodymyr Kohut, head of Ukraine's Poltava administration, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding at the XR Lab at West Suffolk College, in Bury St Edmunds.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation across economic development, education, science and technology, manufacturing, advanced engineering, agriculture, food production, arts and culture, renewable energy, environmental sustainability, healthcare, tourism and humanitarian assistance.
It will facilitate partnerships between agricultural and nursing colleges, encourage business and educational exchanges, and support joint projects that foster innovation, resilience and sustainable growth.
What they're saying: Cllr Hicks said the agreement laid the foundations for "real, lasting connections".
He said: "This agreement is a clear and heartfelt commitment to work together, to learn from one another and to build a strong partnership that reflects our shared values and aspirations.
"It's the start of laying the groundwork for a long-term relationship with Poltava, it's about sharing resources, working together and looking at opportunities."
"This partnership is about more than policy and projects — it's about people."
Mr Kohut said the agreement was "more than just a document, it's a signal for mutual trust, partnership and joined vision of the future."
He said: "A future where our regions, in spite of distance, different language or culture, are working together, supporting each other, sharing experiences and creating the conditions for growth and development."
"I am convinced the partnership we are establishing today will set an example for successful international collaboration."
For context: The agreement comes as Ukraine continues to fight back against Russia's full-scale invasion. Mr Kohut said Poltava continued to be a target of missile and drone strikes, with many facing the suffering and destruction caused by the fighting. As many as 180,000 people are currently displaced in the region.
Mr Kohut, who thanked both the council and the government for supporting Ukraine, said the agreement was the "beginning of a new stage".
Cllr Hicks added: "Suffolk is really proud to stand with our friends from Ukraine, and I think this sends a very strong message that we are there and we are very supportive.
"The people of Ukraine have shown extraordinary courage, extraordinary resilience, and extraordinary dignity."
"Recovery will be a long journey [...] and Suffolk is proud of being part of that journey with Poltava."
What's next: The MoU will remain in effect for five years, with both parties committed to reviewing progress and exploring new areas of cooperation as the relationship develops.
Both leaders said the agreement would facilitate cooperation across several areas, particularly around agriculture, clean energy and engineering.
It will be the backbone of a partnership beyond business, which could include joint research and student exchanges.
For context: It follows a similar agreement signed in November last year with Virginia Beach, in the United States.
The bottom line: With the agreement now signed, both regions will begin developing the practical partnerships and exchanges that will bring the commitment to life over the next five years.
