Scranton proposes sister city relationship with Sheptytskyi, Ukraine

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The city of Scranton will be forming a sister city relationship with Sheptytskyi, a historic mining town in Ukraine.

Mayor Paige G. Cognetti introduced legislation to the Scranton City Council to establish a formal sister city relationship with the western Ukrainian city.

The council unanimously voted 5-0 to introduce the legislation on Tuesday.

According to officials, the proposed legislation highlights the existing connections between Scranton and Sheptytskyi, noting Scranton's history as the "Anthracite Capital of the World" and Sheptytskyi's location in the Lviv Volyn coal basin.

Scranton officials said both regions share rich histories rooted in industry, innovation, cultural diversity and common values. Sheptytskyi, Ukraine has a population of about 64,000.

Locally, St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church has raised money to purchase materials such as bandages, body armor and food for Ukrainian soldiers. In February, the Rev. Myron Myronyuk joined city officials to raise the Ukrainian flag at Scranton City Hall, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

"Scranton has a very proud history of supporting Ukraine, and that relationship is as important as it’s ever been," said Cognetti. "There is a thriving Ukrainian community here in Scranton, and we hope that this sister city agreement can bring our people even closer together."

In September 2024, Scranton hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Scrant n Army Ammunition Plant (SCAAP), where workers produce 155-millimeter howitzer rounds for Ukraine.

Scranton's also has sister city relationships with Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland, and Oakland, California.