Politics & Government
Charlotte To Sever Ties With Its Russian 'Sister City' Voronezh
The Charlotte city council will discuss severing ties with its Russian sister city. Patch has created a poll to ask how locals feel.
CHARLOTTE, NC — The city of Charlotte will begin the process of severing ties with its Russian sister city, according to conversations held during the city' meeting on Monday night.
The Russian city of Voronezh became Charlotte’s sister city in 1991, according to city records. More than one million people live in Voronezh, and the city is known for farming and machinery.
It was then Charlotte Mayor Sue Myrick who signed the "sister city" agreement in 1991. Now, Mayor Vi Lyles is looking to cut ties amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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"Today, we will begin the process to sever that relationship," Lyles said Monday. She also said that Charlotte and Voronezh have not had any interaction since 2015, roughly 7 years ago.
The process to end the relationship will continue March 8, at the city council business meeting.
Find out what's happening in Charlottefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Lyles said the ceremonial move is to show Ukranian citizens of Charlotte that the city stands behind them.
"We stand with you and we will stand with you no matter where we're going in terms of this war," Lyles said Monday night.
Do you think the cities should cut ties? Vote in our poll, posted on the Charlotte Patch Facebook page.
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