"This is Ukraine, even a friendly meeting can be interrupted by pesky drones!'

A LISKEARD councillor has paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers during a visit to the town’s twin community, where even a friendly meeting was interrupted by the threat of drones.

Councillor Simon Cassidy visited Kopychyntsi in western Ukraine, meeting residents and catching up with Mayor Bogdan Kelichavyi as the two communities continued to strengthen their links amid the ongoing war.

During the visit, Cllr Cassidy laid flowers at the town’s war memorial on behalf of Liskeard’s Mayor, Town Council and people, as well as separately representing the Liskeard branches of the Royal British Legion and Royal Naval Association.

He described it as a privilege to honour those who had lost their lives serving their country.

Sharing details of his visit, Cllr Cassidy said Kopychyntsi was looking particularly beautiful in its autumn colours, but the realities of life in a country at war were never far away.

“It was great to catch up with Mayor Bogdan and spend time meeting some of the residents,” he said. “Of course, this is Ukraine, and even a friendly meeting can be interrupted by some pesky drones!”

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss how international links could create opportunities for younger generations, particularly through the UK’s planned return to the Erasmus+ programme in 2027.

Cllr Cassidy said the scheme could help bring young people together through exchanges, shared experiences and new friendships, building on Liskeard’s existing connections with its twin towns in France and Ukraine.

He said he hoped such opportunities would allow young people to develop relationships across borders and gain a greater understanding of different communities.

Reflecting on the importance of town twinning, Cllr Cassidy said the relationship between Liskeard and Kopychyntsi was about far more than a formal agreement.

“Days like today remind me that town twinning is about much more than a name on a sign,” he said. “It’s about people, friendships and standing alongside one another, even in difficult times.”