ON AUGUST 24, 1991, Ukraine became an independent nation. And 34 years later, Somerset helped mark the occasion.

Chair of Somerset Council, Mike Best, raised the flag of the Vinnytsia region outside County Hall in Taunton to mark the country’s independence day.

Earlier this year, Somerset and Vinnytsia signed a non-legally binding agreement to collaborate and explore opportunities for both areas in the future.

Chair of Somerset Council, Mike Best, signing the Memorandum of Understanding as Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, looks on. Picture: Somerset Council

So, the region’s flag was hoisted – alongside the Union and Somerset flags – to celebrate Ukraine’s independence and show Somerset’s continuing solidarity for the country as it continues to fight the Russian invasion – as well as offering a message of support for Ukrainians now settled in the county.

The flag is due to fly again on May 15 next year to mark the first anniversary of the agreement, while Vinnytsia plans to fly Somerset’s flag on May 11 to mark Somerset Day.

READ MORE: Somerset signs memorandum of understanding with Ukrainian region

Cllr Best said: “Raising the flag underlines our commitment to Vinnytsia and Ukraine. I am keeping in close contact with officials in Vinnytsia and both areas hope our close working relationship will be fruitful.”

The Vinnytsia region, also known as Vinnytsia Oblast, is in the southwest of Ukraine. With a population of around 1.5 million, its administrative centre is the city of Vinnytsia, and it borders Moldova to the south.

Like Somerset, the region’s economy centres on agriculture, including grain and sugar production, while minerals, quarrying, manufacturing and electricity generation are also important.