Panevėžys City Municipality has been awarded the Letter of Thanks of the Minister of the Interior Agnė Bilotaitė for its benevolent efforts and assistance in managing the crisis of Ukrainian war refugees.

"We are glad that the efforts of Panevėžys are visible and appreciated at the state level. This Letter of Thanks is an appreciation to the entire city community, which united in a difficult moment to help Ukrainians seeking freedom. After all, it was the people of Panevėžys who most actively donated to Ukraine in Lithuania, devotedly helping the refugees who came to the city from the war-torn country. I thank all the people of Panevėžys and congratulate them on this occasion", said Rytis Račkauskas, the Mayor of Panevėžys.

Just after the start of the war in Ukraine, Panevėžys maintained constant contact with its partner city Vinnytsia, various support actions were organized. The national flag of Ukraine was hoisted on the municipal building, in the evening the building was illuminated with a symbolic installation - the colours of the Ukrainian flag - thus expressing support for its people. A unity and solidarity action with Ukraine "Freedom Shines" was held as well.

In response to the events in Ukraine and the growing flow of war refugees, the Municipality of Panevėžys took care of the Ukrainians staying in the city. Ukrainian war refugees were provided with free accommodation, public transport, catering, health, employment opportunities and other. After the approval of the Panevėžys Council, in 2022, 100% of allowances are applied to war refugees from Ukraine in use of public transport in Panevėžys, free meals provided to Ukrainian children in educational institutions, no tax on educational supplies, additional remedial classes were formed as needed, children were given the opportunity to attend various non-formal education classes for free, monetary social support was provided to Ukrainians.

The people of Panevėžys have collected donations of food and hygiene products for the Ukrainians fighting for the freedom of the nation for several times. In cooperation with the friendly cities of Gradoli, Castiglione in Teverina (Italy), Toyohashi (Japan) monetary support was collected. Up to 50,000 Eur was allocated from the city budget to Panevėžys city partner Vinnytsia. Vital items and tools were purchased.

The municipality of Panevėžys thanks the business community, the volunteers, NGOs and other institutions helping the refugees from Ukraine and Ukrainian people.