Ukraine's ambassador to the UK has welcomed Norfolk County Council's continued support for the invaded country, despite Reform's decision to stop flying his nation's flag at County Hall.
One of the first acts of the Reform administration, after taking control of County Hall following May's elections, was to adopt a new flag policy.
That means the Ukraine flag - raised by the former Conservative administration in support of the nation after it was invaded by Russian troops in February 2022 - is no longer flown from council-owned buildings such as County Hall.
Reform has always contended the decision was not a reflection of a lack of support for Ukraine, which the party said would continue, but was motivated by a desire to keep public buildings "neutral".
At a recent meeting of the council's cabinet, Conservative Kay Mason Billig, former leader of the authority, accused the Reform administration of managing to "offend the entire Ukrainian nation".
Her comments came after Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky said he hoped Reform UK-led councils, such as Norfolk County Council, would rethink decisions to take down his country's flag.
But council leader David Bick has now revealed the response from Ukrainian ambassador Valerii Zaluzhnyi, after he wrote to the lieutenant general to explain the flag policy change, while stressing the authority still supported Ukraine.
In a letter to Mr Bick, the ambassador wrote: "Your reassurance that Norfolk County Council will continue to stand with Ukraine, despite the forthcoming changes to the council's flag-flying policy, is greatly appreciated.
"As you rightly noted, true solidarity is measured not only by symbols, but by sustained practical support and genuine friendship."
Mr Zaluzhnyi also said he or his deputy would be "delighted" to accept Mr Bick's invitation to visit Norfolk.
The flags permitted to be flown include the Union Flag, St George's Flag, the Norfolk County Council and Norfolk county flag, with others, such as the British Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy flag allowed to mark special occasions.
