At a recent city council meeting in Stropkov, Slovakia, topics typically included street crime, parking expansions, and the reconstruction of the square near a church. However, Mayor Ondrej Brendza introduced an unexpected agenda item to the council. He reminded the council members that it was a "sad anniversary of Russian aggression against Ukraine" and shared a letter from representatives of the sister city of Novovolynsk, located in northwestern Ukraine. The letter described the severe consequences of Russian drone attacks, which have resulted in the destruction of energy infrastructure, leaving the city nearly without electricity. Children are waking up in cold apartments, and the elderly are struggling without light and heat.

As a plea for help, the Ukrainian mayor, Borys Karpus, requested essential supplies including generators, gas heaters, power banks, and other equipment to help them cope with energy shortages. Following the reading of the letter, Mayor Brendza proposed that the city of Stropkov respond to this urgent need and support Novovolynsk. This initiative was noteworthy as it received votes in favor from council members affiliated with various political factions, including those representing the Smer and Republik parties, indicating a unified stance in support of humanitarian aid amidst a contentious political landscape in Slovakia.