Plymouth is set to suspend its twinning link with Novorossiysk in light of the atrocities committed by the Russian government on the people of Ukraine.
Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “I‘ve had many messages from Plymouth residents who want to us to do whatever we can as city to send the message that we are outraged by the actions of the Russian government.
“The impact of the Russian military’s violence against the people of Ukraine is horrifying and I don’t believe in all conscience that we can continue to maintain our formal links with Novorossiysk while this is happening.
“I have asked officers to look at suspending our twinning link with Novorossiysk as soon as possible.
“It is a great regret that after more than half a century of building relations between our two great maritime cities we have to consider this. We do not blame the people of Novorossiysk for the barbaric actions of their government but I don’t believe we can continue a formal association with a Russian civic authority while these atrocities are taking place.”
A friendship agreement has existed between Plymouth and Novorossiysk since 1956 and a formal twinning arrangement was signed in 1990.
Plymouth City Council continues to fly the Ukrainian flag in the city centre to show its support for the people of Ukraine.