The leader of Kent County Council (KCC) has visited Ukraine to pledge solidarity, friendship and cooperation with a war-torn region of the country.

KCC leader Roger Gough signed the previously agreed memorandum of understanding (MOU) while in the Chernihiv region with fellow Conservative councilor Jordan Meade.

It follows the council’s July resolution to develop and deepen cooperation between the county and the region in northern Ukraine, which shares the border with Belarus and Russia.

Gough said: “This collaboration and sharing of knowledge and expertise, from the economy, to education, agriculture and technology, is the beginning of a commitment to help Ukraine rebuild peacefully.”

The MOU, designed to explore knowledge transfer as well as cultural and educational exchanges and business opportunities, was signed by the head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, Vyacheslav Chaus, as well as Gough and Meade.

Gough said: “We stand with the people of Chernihiv in finding a way to a stronger and brighter future.”

Gough and Meade, who paid for the trip themselves, also visited a school basement in the village of Yahidne and were told by survivors about what happened during the Russian occupation.

In a letter to Gough, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, said: “The people of Kent have shown remarkable solidarity, from fundraising efforts to warmly welcoming Ukrainians into their homes.”

Meade, who has been to Ukraine several times since the Russian invasion to help deliver aid donated by Kent residents and businesses, said: “I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people and businesses in Kent who have donated items, from children’s books to medical supplies.

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