Spanish village changes name to Ukraine in show of solidarity

A peaceful white-walled village in southern Spain has changed its name to Ukraine in solidarity with those caught up in the conflict more than 4,000 km (2,500 miles) away.

On a sign at a roundabout at the village’s entrance, Ukraine has replaced Fuentes de Andalucia and the country’s blue and yellow flag has been painted alongside.

Streets have been renamed City of Kyiv, Odesa and Mariupol in the village of more than 7,100 inhabitants east of Seville.

“The main objective is to raise awareness about the conflict in Ukraine but also about where countries are at war in current times,” Francisco Martinez told Reuters as he stood in City of Kiev street.

Martinez said the name change was more than a gesture and villagers had also raised 3,500 euros ($3,780) within two days towards a planned refugee centre. The village wants to offer homes to up to 25 refugees at the centre or with families.

Rafael Osuna, 68, a pensioner, said he would take a Ukrainian couple into his house.

“The people of Fuentes are very proud of what we are doing,” he said. “As I live alone and have a big house I have thought of taking in a Ukrainian couple for a while.” (Reuters)

•PHOTO: A cyclist rides past a street sign that reads “City of Kyiv Street” after it was changed from the original name, as other street names were also changed to include names of Ukrainian cities in support of Ukraine, amid Russia’s invasion, in the town of Fuentes de Andalucia, near Seville, southern Spain, April 16, 2022. The sign reads, “Numantine resistance of a town against the Russian invader”. REUTERS/Jon NazcaREUTERS