A moment of institutional dialogue and reflection on the international situation at Palazzo Civico, where the City of Lugano welcomed the Ukrainian Ambassador to Switzerland, Iryna Venediktova. The visit provided an opportunity to review the collaboration between the Ticino city and the Eastern European country, with particular attention to initiatives to support the population affected by the war.
The Ukrainian diplomat was welcomed by Mayor Michele Foletti and Deputy Mayor Roberto Badaracco. During the meeting, various topics related to humanitarian assistance and the reception of people fleeing the conflict were discussed, as well as the prospects for cooperation that, according to the participants, should continue in the coming years.
The ambassador's appeal: concrete help is still needed.
During the meeting, Ambassador Venediktova expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by the city and the Canton of Ticino towards the Ukrainian people. In particular, she emphasized how international support remains essential, especially in terms of healthcare and emergency relief.
Among the needs highlighted are ambulances and other emergency equipment, considered essential to ensuring assistance to the civilian population in areas affected by the fighting. According to the diplomat, continued aid is crucial to addressing the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
Lugano's support for Ukraine
In his speech, the mayor Michael Foletti He reiterated the city's position, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the human impact of the war. He recalled how the conflict in recent years has caused a high number of victims and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, with bombings also affecting homes and energy networks.
The mayor also highlighted how Lugano has sought to respond concretely to the crisis with various solidarity initiatives. The city has welcomed numerous refugees fleeing the conflict: over 730 Ukrainian nationals currently reside in Lugano.
In parallel, initiatives to support the population have been promoted, including assistance programs and aid collections for the affected areas. According to the city government, these actions are part of a broader commitment to strengthening the local solidarity network.
Energy aid and international commitment
The recent aid package approved by the Swiss Federal Council, intended in part to provide energy supplies to support Ukraine, was also mentioned during the meeting. This measure aims to address one of the most serious emergencies caused by the conflict: the damage to energy infrastructure and the supply difficulties for the population.
According to the discussions, the contribution of cities and local authorities remains an important component of international support efforts. In this context, the relationship between Lugano and Ukraine is part of a broader network of cooperation involving public institutions, humanitarian organizations, and civil society.
The prospect of a lasting peace
At the end of the meeting, participants expressed their hope that the international community's diplomatic efforts could pave the way for a resolution to the conflict. The shared goal remains to achieve a peace that can guarantee stability and security for the population.
In this context, the city of Lugano reiterated its commitment to continue supporting solidarity and dialogue initiatives, maintaining a close focus on the fate of the Ukrainian population. The meeting with Ambassador Venediktova represents, according to local authorities, a further step in strengthening relations between the Ticino city and Ukraine, at a time marked by profound international tensions.
