Swindon could soon be twinned with Ukrainian city of Rivne

Talks are under way between Swindon and the city of Rivne.

A delegation from Rivne, led by Mayor Viktor Shakyrzian, visited the town on Sunday, June 21, where they met councillors, community leaders, and members of Swindon’s Ukrainian community.

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."

The visit follows Swindon's Town Twinning Network selecting Rivne as its preferred Ukrainian partner city.

A formal recommendation is expected to be presented to full council in the coming months.

The civic reception took place at Swindon’s Civic Offices on Euclid Street and was attended by councillors, representatives from Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, and members of the Town Twinning Network.

Discussions focused on developing long-term collaboration and highlighted the shared industrial heritage of both towns.

Swindon's growth was shaped by the Great Western Railway, while Rivne developed around its role as a major railway junction and industrial centre in north-western Ukraine.

A Great Western Railway timepiece was among the gifts exchanged during the visit, and guests toured Swindon’s railway sites before visiting Drink Valley Brewery for a special photo opportunity to mark the production of a commemorative beer.

The visit concluded with dinner at Kenzo72 in Old Town, where further ideas for cultural exchanges and community projects were discussed.

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."

The next major public milestone is expected to be UkraineFest on August 22. The event is expected to draw thousands to Town Gardens in Old Town to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day and will also serve as a symbolic celebration of the growing relationship between Swindon and Rivne.