Ukrainian mayor Ivan Fedorov visits Chemnitz
Lord Mayor Sven Schulze pledges support
At a joint meeting today, Lord Mayor Sven Schulze and Ivan Fedorov, Mayor of the occupied Ukrainian city of Melitopol, discussed the City of Chemnitz's support options for Melitopol.
The possible offers of support included decommissioned fire engines and various offers of assistance from Chemnitz Hospital. These offers can be implemented quickly if the Ukrainian city is liberated.
Lord Mayor Sven Schulze: "Chemnitz is a city that has experienced many upheavals, including the destruction caused by war. Nevertheless, it is difficult for us to imagine what life must be like for the people in Melitopol who stayed and for all those who are waiting to be able to return. That's why we want to build on our good relationship with Ivan Federov and the people of Melitopol. It is important to provide the very specific help that is needed for reconstruction. I also see Melitopol's willingness to cooperate with us in the long term and on both sides."
Mayor Ivan Fedorov: "On behalf of all the residents of Melitopol and also on my own behalf, I am grateful to the entire international community, which has supported us not only with words but also with deeds during this difficult time for Ukraine. My special thanks go to the Lord Mayor of Chemnitz. Our friendly relations began even before the great war in Ukraine. In January 2022, our team paid a working visit to this beautiful place. We value our friendship and are grateful to the people of Chemnitz for their support."
Shortly after the start of the Russian war of aggression, the southern Ukrainian city of Melitopol (population around 150,000) was occupied. This occupation continues to this day. Ivan Fedorov was captured and interrogated by the Russian military at the time. He was released shortly afterwards. Since then, he has headed Melitopol's government-in-exile from the neighbouring city of Zaporizhzhya, which lies around 100 kilometres north of Melitopol.
A few weeks before the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Mayor Ivan Fedorov and Lord Mayor Sven Schulz met in Chemnitz and discussed possible cooperation. They discussed economic cooperation, for example, but also a medical exchange and an exchange on the topic of public transport.