Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons announced on Thursday that the city is taking part in an initiative to provide humanitarian aid to Ukrainians abroad.

"This symbolic gesture is very important," Simmons said during the announcement.

Her city is taking part in the effort organized by nonprofit Ukraine Aid International that pairs Connecticut localities with "sister cities" in Ukraine.

Westport native Brian Mayer, who started the organization with his brother after visiting Ukraine, said they "try to find communities in Ukraine in most desperate need of immediate relief."

Stamford is partnering with Kramatorsk. Mayer's hometown of Westport has already partnered with Lyman, and Easton has partnered with Sviatohirsk.

Simmons pointed out during her remarks that Ukrainian is among the five most-common language spoken in her city today.