Ukrainian Delegation To Visit CT, Including Darien

DARIEN, CT — A delegation of Ukrainian officials is slated to visit Connecticut next week, including Darien, where a special program will be held at Darien Library.

First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky said during this week's Board of Selectmen meeting that the delegation will be led by Vadym Filashkin, the governor of Donetsk Oblast, the eastern Ukrainian province that includes Darien's sister city of Sloviansk.

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The selectmen meeting is available to watch on demand on DarienTV and YouTube.

The delegation will arrive in CT on Sept. 9 and meet with Gov. Ned Lamont at a few locations in the state, including the Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford.

On Sept. 11, the delegation will come to Darien for a program at Darien Library titled "Leading on the Frontlines: Inside Ukraine's Fight for Freedom, A Conversation with the Senior Leadership of Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine."

The program will run from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Darien Library Community Room. Registration to attend is required, according to the library. Registration will close on Sept. 11 at 4:30 p.m.

"Moderated by Marshall Mayer, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Ukraine Aid International, the program will feature a brief multimedia presentation followed by a live conversation and audience Q&A," the event description on the Darien Library website says.

"Guests will have the opportunity to hear directly from the sitting Governor and frontline regional leadership, ask questions, and gain unique insight into the realities of governing during wartime, as well as the challenges, resilience, and hope shaping Ukraine's future and eventual recovery."

Aside from Filashkin, the visiting delegation will include Sergii Kalian, head of the Bakhmut District Administration, and Oleksii Vorobiov, head of the Siversk City Administration.

The province of Donetsk Oblast was invaded by Russian forces in 2022 and has been the site of heavy fighting by the Russian military.

"Governor Filashkin and his colleagues are responsible for leading communities through relentless attacks, civilian evacuations, destruction of critical infrastructure, and ongoing humanitarian challenges, all while continuing to provide essential services and support to hundreds of thousands of residents across the region," the event description notes.

Darien Library is presenting the event in partnership with Ukraine Aid International and the Town of Darien. A light reception will follow the program.

Darien has joined a growing list of CT communities that have established a sister city relationship in Ukraine.

Earlier this year, Zagrodzky visited Ukraine and signed the non-binding agreement to establish the relationship.

The agreement does not commit Darien to spend money or take official action, but it is a way to facilitate private support and engagement for Ukraine as the war with Russia continues.