The city of Hiroshima has decided to cancel the planned commemorative project with its sister city in Russia following a military invasion of Ukraine.
The city of Hiroshima, formerly known as Stalingrad, was destroyed by fierce battles during World War II, but was rebuilt early after the war and is enthusiastically working to promote peace in the city of Volgograd and Showa in western Russia. We have a sister city tie-up since 1947.
Every year, both cities have exchange programs, and in September, an event is held in Hiroshima to display folk crafts and introduce Russian food culture.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the alliance, we planned to dispatch a delegation from Hiroshima in September and accept a delegation from Volgograd in November.
However, following the military invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the city of Hiroshima decided to suspend the project of dispatching delegations to each other.
The city of Volgograd is the leader of the Mayors for Peace, which is composed of domestic and foreign municipalities aiming to eliminate nuclear weapons and is chaired by Mayor Matsui.