Exeter suspends Russian link

Twin city is 'civic arm of Putin regime'

Exeter has suspended the city’s link with its Russian twin.

Councillors unanimously backed the recommendation by leader Phil Bialyk to halt the civic relationship with Yaroslavl, a city 160 miles north-east of Moscow.

The link began in 1990 and includes exchange trips usually held every other year, but it came under scrutiny following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the end of February.

At an extraordinary meeting of the council held at county hall on Thursday, Cllr Bialyk (Labour, Exwick) said: “I’ve been at pains to try to advise people – if they want to listen – that this has got nothing to do with attacking the good people of Yaroslavl, who many of us have all met on a number of occasions.

He added: “Our problem is with a regional and civic arm of the Putin regime – let’s be brutally honest, it is. There is no way we can carry on any cordial civic relationship with them at this moment in time.”

Cllr Bialyk thanked local people for their response to the crisis and the offers for help, and urged the government to do what it can to help those seeking refuge.

“You welcomed in my father in 1946. These people want refuge from this catastrophe,” he said.

During the emotional debate, Councillor Amy Sparling (Green, St David’s) spoke of her personal link to the conflict and called on the government to rethink its much-criticised refugee policy, which she called “shameful and inhumane.”

Boris Johnson has since defended the country’s response to the crisis and said a forthcoming scheme will allow British people to take Ukrainians into their homes.

The council appeared to quickly alter its position on the twinning link as Russia’s attack on Ukraine escalated. Immediately following the invasion, a spokesperson said there were “currently no plans to alter” the link.

But just a few days later, Cllr Bialyk, who has family in Ukraine and recently organised a vigil in Exeter for the country’s citizens, requested that the council suspended the two cities’ “civic relationship.”

Councillors from all parties unanimously supported Cllr Bialyk’s motion, which stated the following:

That Exeter stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the council agrees to immediately suspend its civic relationship with Yaroslavl
That it be noted that the leader of the council has written to Vadym Prystaiko, the Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom offering the city’s support for the people of the Ukraine in these difficult times
That it be noted that the leader of the council has written to the home secretary advising her that Exeter has always been a city which welcomes refugees from all over the world in their hour of need, and it would support the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees and urges the UK government to consider an urgent review into the criteria to be applied to those Ukrainian citizens who are seeking asylum in the UK
That appropriate arrangements be made, in cooperation with Inclusive Exeter, to extend and engage support for the Ukrainian community in Exeter.
An amendment from Liberal Democratic councillor Kevin Mitchell about the council supporting divestment from Russian assets and investments was also accepted.

Devon’s capital is not the first council to suspend relations with its Russian twin since the conflict began. Glasgow councillors also voted to pause their link with the city of Rostov-on-Don.

While Exeter’s relationship has been suspended, Plymouth City Council has spoken against breaking off their own ties with Novorossiysk, a port city on the Black Sea.

However, the city’s iconic Smeaton’s Tower was recently lit up in yellow and blue, with lights in the colours of the Ukrainian flag also continuing to be displayed along parts of Armada Way. The council has condemned Russia’s attack.