In a historic move aimed at fostering international friendship and solidarity, the city of Sandy, Utah, and Bucha, Ukraine, have officially established a sister-city relationship. The partnership was announced on March 17, highlighting a commitment to cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and humanitarian support. Bucha, a city near Kyiv, became globally recognized following the devastation it endured during Russia’s war against Ukraine. Sandy, a thriving suburb of Salt Lake City, is known for its strong community values and active international outreach programs. City leaders from both communities emphasized the significance of the partnership. Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski stated: “You can see Ukrainian flags flying all around our city. Sandy supports Ukraine, and with so much turmoil, uncertainty, and chaos in the world today, we can’t lose sight of that. It is really the person-to-person connection that is the seed of great relationships, the seed of love, and the seed of democracy.” Bucha’s mayor, Anatoliy Fedoruk, welcomed the new partnership, saying, “The cities of Bucha and Sandy are embarking on a new journey together, and we believe it will be meaningful and inspiring. Despite the distance, we are confident that we will bring many projects to life, working hand in hand for a brighter future”. The sister city agreement will include cultural exchanges, business collaborations, and educational initiatives aimed at fostering understanding between the two communities. Additionally, Sandy has pledged to support humanitarian efforts in Bucha, including aid for rebuilding projects and assistance for war-affected families. 

Expanding Utah-Ukraine Relations 

This sister city agreement is part of a broader initiative to strengthen ties between the state of Utah and Ukraine. Over the past years, Utah officials have been actively working with Ukrainian counterparts to establish economic, humanitarian, and educational partnerships. The event follows the visits of a state delegation to Ukraine led by Utah Senate President Adams in May 2023 and President of Ukraine Zelensky to Salt Lake City in July 2024 and is a part of the development of sister-state relations between Utah and the Kyiv region. City Council member Ryan Mecham and Mayor Zoltanski were instrumental in establishing the sister-city relationship. The city worked with August Mission, a humanitarian organization in Ukraine, and Dell Loy and Julie Hansen’s Hansen Ukrainian Mission.