The cities of Hereford, UK, and Zhytomyr, Ukraine, signed a friendship agreement on Tuesday in an online ceremony described as an "amazing, historic moment." The pact, hosted by mayors Daniel Powell and Halyna Shymanska, aims to cement a relationship built since the war began in 2022. Lesley Grady of the Diocese of Hereford, who said she was "close to tears" working with Ukrainian partners over four years, emphasized the pledge to stand together. Inna Protsiuk expressed hopes for shared community experiences, including student exchanges. The agreement formalizes support for Ukrainians fleeing war, with Zhytomyr's mayor acknowledging Hereford's warm welcome and safety provided to refugees.