At a time when war tests Ukrainians for resilience and strength of spirit, it is women who increasingly become the carriers of peace, diplomacy, and the future. During the official visit to France, the delegation from the Kirovohrad region, led by Mariia Chorna — a member of the Business Woman Club Council, representative of the International Headquarters for Assistance to Ukrainians, and Deputy Director of Agroresurs LLC — demonstrated how women’s leadership combines humanitarian mission, volunteerism, and statesmanship.
This visit is an example of true “diplomacy of the heart,” where trust between nations is built through partnership, joint projects, culture, and care for the environment. Ukraine’s voice in France was not one of просьба, but one of strength, dignity, and gratitude.
It is through such meetings — warm, meaningful, and sincere — that a new Europe is being shaped: united in its values and consolidated in its aspiration for peace.
The first official item on the agenda was a visit to the Fédération Française du Bâtiment (French Building Federation), where the delegation met with the leadership of GEIQ BTP Bourgogne-Franche-Comté — an association of over 400 companies specializing in training young people in the construction sector.
A joint pilot project was presented, aimed at training Ukrainian refugee teenagers aged 16–18 currently residing in France. The initiative focuses on equipping them with knowledge and practical skills in construction, enabling them to contribute to the future reconstruction of Ukraine.
The initiative is being implemented with the participation of Ukraine Solidarité 89, FFB 89, and GEIQ BTP, and has already attracted the attention of French media. The French outlet presse-evasion.fr described the meeting in the Yonne department as an important step toward establishing a professional education system for Ukrainian youth.
Following this, the Ukrainian delegation was received by the leadership of the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS 89). The rescuers presented their training center, canine unit, and technical equipment. Agreements were reached on further cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of civil protection.
In Paris, the delegation held a series of official meetings, including with Mr. Julien Delpech, Advisor on Ukraine-related issues, as well as representatives of the French Healthcare Association and leading medical companies: Schiller Medical, DMS Imaging, Sonoscanner, Dessintey, and Ellipse Projects. Discussions focused on the implementation of projects related to medical equipment supply, telemedicine development, and the establishment of rehabilitation centers in Vinnytsia and Ladyzhyn.
Meeting at the National Assembly of France
One of the key events of the visit was the meeting at the National Assembly of France with members of the France–Ukraine friendship group: Anne Genetet, Constance Le Grip, and Laurent Mazaury.
The discussions addressed critical issues such as support for Ukraine, closing the sky, international solidarity, and the future reconstruction of Ukrainian regions. It was a high-level, open, and highly meaningful dialogue.
The French parliamentarians reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and their commitment to advocating for Ukrainian interests on the international stage:
- Anne Genetet emphasized that Europe has no alternative but to stand with Ukraine. She is actively involved in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and strongly supports Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
- Constance Le Grip advocates for increased assistance, including the deployment of European instructors to train Ukrainian military personnel, and supports the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s needs.
- Laurent Mazaury is one of the initiators of a National Assembly resolution in support of Ukraine and calls for the creation of a European coalition to assist the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The meeting was facilitated with the support of Viktor Albrecht and Denis Gak, to whom the Ukrainian delegation expressed sincere gratitude for their assistance and organization.
September 17 — Kirovohrad Region and Burgundy: Toward New Horizons
The delegation held an important meeting with the Regional Council of Bourgogne–Franche-Comté, where future areas of cooperation and the experience of partnership between the Kirovohrad region and the French region were discussed.
A key outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the NGO “Kropyvnytskyi Regional Women’s Initiative” and the association Ukraine Solidarité 89.
September 18 — Gratitude and Commemoration
In the town of Saint-Georges, as part of the global initiative Greening of the Planet, Mariia Chorna and her colleagues participated in planting 110 trees and shrubs, including viburnum, hornbeam, spindle tree, hazel, and serviceberry.
The initiative was supported by landowners André and Julian Ludwig, with saplings provided by Pépinières Naudet, represented by Pierre Naudet and Nicolas. The Mayor, Christian Lepeur, also attended the event.
A particularly emotional moment was meeting Ms. Edith, the mother of Andreas, who was killed in the war in Ukraine. Mariia Chorna arrived wrapped in a Ukrainian flag, but after hearing Ms. Edith’s story, she presented the flag to her. Ms. Edith placed it over her shoulders and remained with it throughout the entire event.
The symbolism of the initiative lies in the planted trees as a sign of life, renewal, and unity. Just as roots strengthen in the soil, so too does the Ukrainian nation strengthen in its struggle for freedom and recovery. It is a message of hope and belief that Ukraine will flourish again after the war.
The delegation also visited the CIFA de l’Yonne vocational training center and participated in an official ceremony in Avallon, attended by Mayor Jean-Yves Berger and association president Pascal Auger. During the event, Ukrainian representatives were awarded the “Avalon Ville” commemorative medals in recognition of their contribution to strengthening Ukrainian-French relations.
September 19 — Kirovohrad Region in the Heart of Europe: European Parliament
The final stage of the visit was a working trip to Brussels, to the heart of European democracy — the European Parliament. Meetings were held with Olena Vishnar-Malinovska and Oleksandr Lazuka, focusing on reconstruction, European integration, Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic course, and opportunities for cooperation with the Kirovohrad region.
“This visit confirmed that the partnership between Ukraine and France is built on mutual trust, professionalism, and humanity. We are grateful to every French and European partner who contributes to the shared cause of peace and the recovery of Ukraine,” summarized Mariia Chorna, member of the Business Woman Club Council, head of the NGO “Public Initiatives of Mariia Chorna,” and regional representative of the International Headquarters for Assistance to Ukrainians.
Photo: from the archive Maria Chorna