Ulster County Becomes First US County to Establish Sister Community with Ukraine

Ulster County has taken a historic step in support of Ukraine, becoming the first county in the United States to establish a “Sister Community” agreement with a region in the war-torn nation.

County Executive Jen Metzger and Legislature Chair Peter Criswell signed the agreement virtually on Friday with the Chernivtsi Regional Council, solidifying a partnership aimed at fostering education, cultural exchange, and municipal collaboration.

The agreement, approved by the Ulster County Legislature on April 15, highlights the county’s commitment to building bridges between people and communities, offering a tangible expression of solidarity with the Ukrainian people during their ongoing struggle for independence.

“This agreement reflects Ulster County’s deep commitment to building bridges — not just between governments, but between people,” said Metzger. “I am incredibly proud that Ulster County is leading the way as the first county in the United States to establish this meaningful connection with a Ukrainian region and show our solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”

The virtual signing ceremony was attended by officials from both sides, including Chernivtsi Regional Council members Oleksii Boiko, Chairman of the Chernivtsi Regional Council; Mykhailo Pavliuk, Deputy Chairman of the Chernivtsi Regional Council; and Yurii Bodnar, Head of the Department for International Relations and Cross-Border Cooperation.

“The world knows that Ukraine is fighting for its independence, suffers from Russian shelling every day, and our soldiers are laying down their lives on the battlefield, so it is important for every Ukrainian to know that we are not alone in our struggle,” said Boiko. “Every agreement, every project implemented, every handshake between partners is a reminder of support that Ukraine is an important and independent state, that the death of soldiers is not in vain, because the country they died for is alive!”

The partnership has garnered strong support from the Ulster County community, with numerous residents of Ukrainian heritage expressing their gratitude for the initiative. The ceremony featured heartfelt remarks from community members, including those with family ties to the Chernivtsi Region, highlighting the deep emotional connection between the two communities.

“Partnerships between districts, cities, and countries are, above all, partnerships between people,” said Svitlana Blinova, Coordinator of the Cities4Cities Initiative. “They bring new friendships, projects, innovations, and valuable exchanges of experience.”

The Ulster County-Chernivtsi Regional Council Sister Community agreement fosters international collaboration, strengthens bonds, and enriches lives in both communities.

Image: Chernivtsi National University