Luhansk Region (Ukraine)

Cooperation based on the Agreement between the Lubelskie Voivodeship and the Luhansk Region on economic, trade, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation of 11 September 2003 

Area: 26,684 km2
Population: over 2.2 million
Capital: Luhansk 

The Luhansk Region is one of the 24 regions (oblasts) in Ukraine. It is situated in the eastern part of Ukraine, on the border with Russia (it borders Russia in the north, east and south). It also borders the Donetsk and Kharkiv Regions in the west.

Luhansk, the capital of the region, was founded in 1795, when the first Russian ironworks was established here. In 1882, it was granted a city charter. The city is a large centre of heavy industry, famous for, among others, a huge factory of diesel locomotives, and a factory of mining machines and batteries. The city is also known for light industries, food industries, as well as the industry of construction materials. A characteristic feature of Luhansk is the coexistence of various religions and churches. At present, it is also a famous academic and cultural centre. There are numerous theatres, cinemas, and museums as well as the concert hall. Luhansk is also a partner city of Lublin.

Another big city of the Luhansk Region is Starobilsk. The largest Ukrainian dairy is here, a highly developed food and vegetable processing plant, as well as a repair-mechanical plant and a furniture plant. Starobilsk is related to Poland in a special way – it is here where 4.5 thousand Polish soldiers were brought and killed in the years 1039-1940. In 1944, mass graves were found and in recent years this place has been taken care of. Thanks to the efforts of the authorities of the Starobilsk city, the cemetery has been built where the ashes of the Polish soldiers were buried. The Polish diaspora in Starobilsk is very active in taking actions aimed at maintaining close relations with the home country. The partnership agreement, signed on 14 March 1996 between Starobilsk and Lublin, includes a declaration on joint support in the protection of historical monuments and memorial sites.

http://www.loga.gov.ua/

http://oblrada.lg.ua/

http://www.lugansk.info/