SCRANTON, PA. – Mayor Paige G. Cognetti has proposed legislation to Scranton City Council to establish a formal sister city relationship with Sheptytskyi, Ukraine. Council introduced the legislation by a 5-0 vote on April 22, 2205.
“Scranton’s relationship with Ukraine is as important as it’s ever been,” Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “We are proud to host a thriving Ukrainian community here in Scranton and hope that this sister city agreement can bring our people even closer together.”
The proposed legislation notes the existing links between Scranton and Sheptytskyi. Perhaps most notably, Scranton’s history as the “Anthracite Capital of the World” reflects Sheptytskyi’s home in the Lviv Volyn coal basin. Both areas have rich histories rooted in industry, innovation, cultural diversity, and common values, the legislation adds.
Locally, St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, has raised tens of thousands of dollars to buy materials such as bandages, body armor, and food for Ukrainian soldiers in combat. The Rev. Myron Myronyuk joined City officials in February to raise the Ukrainian flag at Scranton City Hall in recognition of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
In September 2024, Scranton hosted a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant (SCAAP) to visit workers playing a vital role in Ukraine’s ongoing defense. The SCAAP facility builds 155-millimeter howitzer rounds that have been essential to their defense against Russia.
Scranton’s most notable sister city relationship is with Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland, in an agreement dating back to 1990.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020. Her administration is focused on driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, ensuring public safety, fostering government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Scranton and Sheptytskyi, Ukraine, Forming Sister City Relationship | Press Release
Last modified: April 23, 2025
