Wiesbaden
"Carol of the Bells" ("Shchedryk") from Kamianets-Podilskyi Travels Across Europe
In the autumn of 2023, during the signing of a sister-city partnership agreement with Wiesbaden, Mayor Mykhailo Positko and Consul General in Frankfurt Vadym Kostiuk initiated a large-scale charitable and cultural project aimed at:
- expressing gratitude to partner cities and friendly nations for their support;
- organizing charity events to meet the humanitarian needs of children internally displaced by the war;
- promoting local businesses and investment opportunities in Kamianets-Podilskyi;
- presenting Ukrainian culture internationally.
The project included 8 charity concerts, the "Made in Kamianets" craft fair, and an exhibition of artwork by students from the Kamianets-Podilskyi Children's Art School. Official delegations led by Deputy Mayor Vadym Mendohrad held meetings with business representatives in Stuttgart and Esslingen am Neckar.
About the Project
On December 10, the "Zhuravlyk" Children and Youth Choir (directed by Ivan Netecha) launched its European tour with a performance of the famous Kamianets carol "Shchedryk," known worldwide as "Carol of the Bells." This tour echoed the historical European tour of the Ukrainian Republican Choir led by Oleksandr Koshyts over a century ago.
The tour was made possible thanks to the support of the municipal budget, local businesses, and partner cities, including Częstochowa, Zawiercie (Poland), Dolný Kubín (Slovakia), Wiesbaden, and Esslingen am Neckar (Germany).
A €50,000 Grant for the Perinatal Center in Kamianets-Podilskyi
Kamianets-Podilskyi has received a €50,000 grant (over 2 million UAH) from the Engagement Global / SKEW program to support the "Safe Motherhood" project. The funds were used to equip the perinatal department of the municipal hospital with modern medical equipment.
Project Outcomes
- Prompt and High-Quality Care: Newborns received timely and high-quality medical assistance, ensuring a healthy start in life.
- Risk and Mortality Reduction: Modern medical equipment reduced risks and mortality rates among pregnant women and infants, contributing to the overall improvement of maternal and child health.
- International Support: The project was implemented with the support of the sister city Wiesbaden (Germany), which funded 10% of the total cost, while Engagement Global covered the remaining 90%.
The local government, hospital leadership, and international partners worked together to ensure that every child is born safely and that motherhood in Kamianets-Podilskyi becomes more secure and comfortable.
Sports Support from Wiesbaden
Kamianets-Podilskyi has received charitable assistance from the NGO "Wiesbaden-Schierstein – Kamianets-Podilskyi" in the form of new sports equipment for children's and youth sports schools, valued at over 219,000 UAH.
This contribution provided young athletes with modern training equipment, fostering their long-term development rather than one-time support. The partnership demonstrates the value of sustainable assistance, and Kamianets-Podilskyi extended its sincere gratitude to the Wiesbaden–Kamianets Association for its long-standing commitment.
In addition to fostering athletic achievements, sports serve as a means of stress relief, which is especially vital for children living through war. This support strengthens the community's future by offering opportunities for healthy and safe development.
Medical Support from Wiesbaden
The Kamianets-Podilskyi City Council expressed its gratitude to its partners and everyone who contributed to this initiative. The municipal hospital received modern hospital beds from the sister city of Wiesbaden, which improved treatment conditions and comfort for both patients and medical staff.
This initiative demonstrated the tangible results of international cooperation, solidarity, and care, strengthening the community's healthcare capacities.
New Twinning Partnership: Wiesbaden and Kamianets-Podilskyi
On September 11, 2023, the mayors of Wiesbaden (Germany, Gert-Uwe Mende) and Kamianets-Podilskyi (Ukraine, Mykhailo Positko) officially signed a sister-city partnership agreement. The partnership was commemorated in Wiesbaden's Golden Book, opening a new chapter in the relations between the two cities.
Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende emphasized the importance of this cooperation:
"I am very pleased that we can officially establish a sister-city partnership between Wiesbaden and Kamianets-Podilskyi. Especially in these times, it is extremely important to work together on various projects and to foster direct exchange between people of different cultures based on friendship, support, and mutual respect."
Currently, a delegation from Kamianets-Podilskyi is in Wiesbaden, participating in discussions and negotiations regarding the launch of joint initiatives between the two municipalities.
For over 30 years, the cities have maintained ties through the Wiesbaden-Schierstein & Kamianets-Podilskyi Partnership Association (e.V.), organizing numerous humanitarian aid shipments and supporting local community projects.
Mayor Mende stressed:
"City partnerships are bridges that connect cultures, people, and ideas. They symbolize peace, cooperation, and friendship. Although our cities are geographically distant, we share a common vision for a better future. Sister-city relations allow us to learn from one another, exchange experiences, and implement projects that enrich both communities."
Mayor Mykhailo Positko added:
"Kamianets-Podilskyi and Wiesbaden share a strong, long-standing friendship. Our cities are similar in many ways: history, culture, and, most importantly, people dedicated to developing genuine connections. We are convinced that this partnership can facilitate meaningful exchanges and unlock new opportunities for growth, making our cities better places to live, work, and visit. We see great potential in this cooperation and are confident it will be mutually beneficial."
30th Anniversary of the Wiesbaden – Kamianets-Podilskyi Partnership Association
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Wiesbaden – Kamianets-Podilskyi Partnership Association (e.V.) (an organization based in Kamianets-Podilskyi), which has served as a key platform for cooperation and friendly relations between the two communities.
To honor the anniversary, a delegation from Kamianets-Podilskyi led by Mayor Mykhailo Positko met with representatives of the association and members of the Ukrainian diaspora from Frankfurt and Wiesbaden.
Earlier, on September 11, 2023, the cities of Wiesbaden and Kamianets-Podilskyi officially signed a sister-city partnership agreement, recorded in Wiesbaden's Golden Book, which further strengthened their long-standing cooperation and cultural exchange.
Summer Camp Support from Wiesbaden
In the summer of 2025, 40 children from Kamianets-Podilskyi traveled to the sister city of Wiesbaden (Germany) to participate in a summer recreational camp designed for children from vulnerable groups.
The program provided the young participants with new experiences, joyful moments, and emotional support, creating a safe and caring environment during these difficult times. Kamianets-Podilskyi expresses its gratitude to Wiesbaden for their care, open hearts, and humanity, which made this initiative possible.
