Klitschko received Florence's highest municipal award
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko received the highest municipal honorary award from the city of Florence.
The award was presented to him by the mayor of the Italian city, Sara Funaro, during a ceremony at the Palazzo Vecchio town hall.
Klitschko noted that he views this award as a sign of support not only for himself but for all Ukrainians.
“I thank the City Council and the community of Florence for conferring this honorary award. It is a gesture of support and solidarity for all Ukrainians,” he said.
During the ceremony, the mayor of Kyiv received a symbolic key—a replica of the keys to Florence’s ancient city gates.
The event was also attended by former Italian Prime Minister and former European Commission President Romano Prodi, Member of the European Parliament Dario Nardella, as well as representatives of the city council and the public.
Klitschko added that during the meeting, he thanked the Italian side for supporting Ukraine and developing the partnership between Kyiv and Florence, which will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their sister city relationship next year.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that the Cabinet of Ministers did not include the capital in the general budget for aid to cities as part of the implementation of energy sustainability plans. Despite the timely submission of proposals developed by experts, the government denied the city financial and legislative support following a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council.
In response, the Kyiv City State Administration stated that the Yevhen Paton Bridge across the Dnipro River in Kyiv can continue to be used for traffic, but in compliance with current weight restrictions.
