Kyiv mayor Vitalii Klitschko greeted Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, Bratislava Mayor Matus Vallo, Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib and Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony, before proceeding to discuss assistance to the Ukrainian capital and country amid the tenth month of Russia's full-scale invasion. On the second day of the visit, Rafał Trzaskowski travelled to Bucha, where the Russian had carried out mass killing of civilians.
Mayors of four European capitals visited Kyiv to discuss assistance on Wednesday (January 11).
After the initial meeting, all five mayors travelled to see heavily damaged residential sites in the centre of Kyiv.
During his visit, Trzaskowski expressed his gratitude and support to the Ukrainian capital.
"Kyiv is the city of heroes, it's very important for us. We wanted to say that our friends in Ukraine are fighting for our freedom, and this is really important for us. That's why we are here to help as much as we can, and we will keep on helping. Whatever our friends in Kyiv and Ukraine need, we are always your friends."
Trzaskowski: we are building the House for the Reconstruction of Ukraine
On the second day of the visit (Thursday, Jan. 12), Trzaskowski went to Bucha, near Kyiv, where the Russian had committed mass murder of civilians during the occupation of the town. "Today I spoke with the mayor of Bucha. Concrete support, we want to keep on helping, we've been sending humanitarian aid from the very start of the war," he said.
He also stressed that "Kyiv, Bucha, are now in need of engine generators". "We will be also sending firefighting equipment," he added.
"But we also spoke about the future, about reconstruction of Ukraine. We want to help together, we are building the House for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. We are already helping, for instance, by securing historic buildings," Trzaskowski said.
"We want to share our experience when it comes to spending EU funds. This is what the Ukrainians need, that's what they tell us, and that help is going to be very concrete," the mayor of Warsaw assured.
He also underscored that "it's extremely important that nearly whole Polish and European political classes speak in one voice". "This is a central government support, but local governors can also help in some particular cases. And not only (help - edit.) the capital, but smaller cities as well," he added.
Trzaskowski: the spirit of the Ukrainian nation is incredible
Warsaw mayor also spoke about the unceasing will of the Ukrainian people to defend their country. "The spirit in the Ukrainian nation is absolutely incredible. Wherever we go, whoever we ask. The Ukrainians are fighting on, they are ready for the ultimate sacrifice also for us, for freedom," he stressed.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, TVN24, Reuters
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: TVN24