Governor Ned Lamont and Governor Vadym Filashkin, his counterpart in Ukraine’s Donestk oblast, signed a historic “sister state” agreement yesterday.
No other US state has a relationship with an oblast in a war-ravaged section of that country.
And it all started in Westport.
Brian and Marshall Mayer — brothers who grew up here — created Ukraine Aid International, shortly after the 2022 Russian invasion.
The non-profit quickly earned a reputation for its ability to deliver much-needed supplies — food, medical and communications equipment, pellet-burning stoves, water filtration devices and more — directly where it is needed.
Marshall Mayer (left), and Donetsk Governor Vadim Filashkin.
Soon — with the backing of 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — Westport and Lyman, Ukraine became sister cities.
The Donetsk town is close to Russian front. Generous Westporters raised $250,000 for Lyman during the 2022 holiday season. The funds provided shelter, warmth and water.
Another $50,000 was raised the following spring. Tooker and then-Police Chief Foti Koskinas visited their counterparts in Lyman, raising spirits there and driving home the urgent need for help here.
A recent fundraising effort helped send Lyman youngsters to a therapy camp in the Carpathian Mountains.
An apartment building in Lyman.
Westport’s other sister city, Marigny-le-Lozon, added important aid too. The French village has shared a relationship with our town since World War II.
After the Westport-Lyman relationship, Ukraine Aid International helped 6 other Connecticut towns and cities establish sister city friendships.
Lamont’s proclamation binds our state with their oblast.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, Representatives Rosa DeLauro and John Larson, State Senator Ceci Maher, 1st Selectman Tooker, UAI president Katya Wauchope and UAI executive director Marshall Mayer were all on the call with Lamont yesterday.
Governor Lamont (top row, right), Senator Blumenthal (bottom row, left), and others on yesterday’s Zoom call.
“Westport led the charge,” Marshall Mayer told “06880” yesterday. “Then other cities and towns came together.” Together, over $2.5 million — all in private donations — has been raised in Connecticut for Donetsk since the invasion began.
UAI notes, “What began as a local movement of compassion has grown into an enduring public partnership rooted in solidarity, resilience, and shared democratic values.”
The “sister state” agreement will promote cooperation at the state and local levels — including both public and private groups — in areas like healthcare, education, culture and sports.
With the partnership in place, Ukraine Aid International has turned to 2 immediate needs.
They’re raising $40,000 for a large water filtration system for Kramatorsk, Stamford’s sister city. It will help the entire region — including a hospital that serves Lyman.
They hope to secure a vital MRI machine too. Any “06880” reader with access to one — perhaps through connections in the healthcare industry — can email marshall@ukraineaidinternational.org.
Meanwhile UAI is also seeking a “sister state coordinator,” to help with fundraising, collections and more. If interested in the paid position, email Marshall Mayer at the address above.
(To learn more about Ukraine Aid International — including how to donate — click here.)
