Mayor of Rivne visits Swindon as twinning plans move closer

Councillors extended the warm hand of friendship towards Rivne by welcoming the Ukrainian city’s mayor on Sunday (21 June).

Mayor Viktor Shakyrzian visited the town, meeting councillors, community leaders and Swindon's Ukrainian residents as discussions continue over establishing an official link between the two places.

The visit comes after Swindon's Town Twinning Network identified Rivne as its preferred Ukrainian partner city, with final recommendations expected to return to the committee before ultimately being considered by Full Council.

The mayor was welcomed to the Civic Offices in Euclid Street by members of the Town Twinning Network, representatives from Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Jake Chandler, current Deputy Mayor Councillor Gayle Cook and former Mayor, Fay Howard, who helped initiate the twinning discussions during her mayoral year.

During the visit, guests toured the Civic Offices and discussed opportunities for future collaboration between the two communities.

Speeches highlighted the similarities between the two places and the opportunities that could emerge through a long-term partnership.

Anastasiia Banatska, Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, said: “For more than four years Swindon has opened its doors to hundreds of Ukrainian families. What began as a humanitarian response has grown into genuine friendships and lasting community connections.

“Seeing the Mayor of Rivne visit Swindon and experience the town first-hand is an important milestone. There is still a formal process to complete, but there is real enthusiasm on both sides to build something meaningful that benefits residents in both communities.”

Councillor Jake Chandler, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Town Twinning Network, said: “This was a real opportunity to showcase Swindon, meet face to face and discuss what a future partnership could look like.

“Rivne and Swindon have much more in common than many people realise, and we look forward to continuing those conversations through the Town Twinning Network and council processes.”

Rivne, located in north-western Ukraine, has a population of 250,000 people, making it similar in size to Swindon. Both communities grew significantly through industry and transport links, with Swindon's development shaped by the Great Western Railway and Rivne's growth driven by its position as a major railway junction and industrial centre.

Rivne later became known for engineering, manufacturing and chemical industries, helping establish it as one of western Ukraine's most important economic hubs.

Guests were also reminded that Swindon currently has three international twin town relationships, while Rivne has established partnerships with 21 towns and cities across the world, creating opportunities for cultural, educational and economic cooperation.

A series of gifts were exchanged during the reception. Swindon Museum and Art presented items showcasing the town's heritage, while Deacons Jewellers gifted a Great Western Railway timepiece, symbolising both Swindon's railway history and the contribution of one of the town's longest-established independent businesses.

Following the civic reception, the delegation was given a quick tour of Swindon's railway heritage before visiting a local brewery.

The mayor took part in a special photo opportunity at Drink Valley Brewery to mark the production of a commemorative beer celebrating the growing friendship between Swindon and Rivne. The limited-edition pale ale is expected to be available within the next three weeks.

The visit concluded with dinner at Kenzo72 in Wood Street, Old Town, where conversations continued about future cultural exchanges, community projects and ways both cities could support one another.

The next major public milestone is expected to be UkraineFest on 22 August, when thousands of visitors are expected to gather in the Town Gardens, Old Town, to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day.

Organisers say the festival will celebrate Ukrainian culture, while also symbolically recognising the growing friendship between Swindon and Rivne as the twinning process moves forward.