The historic arrangement which twins Coatbridge with the town was established in the 1980s by Monklands District Council and inherited by North Lanarkshire Council during local government reforms in 1995.

The twinning agreement has been inactive for many years.

The council will write to the mayor of Gatchina explaining the reason for the move and making clear the feelings of ‘horror and outrage’ at Russia’s invasion.

Earlier this month North Lanarkshire issued a statement making clear that it stands ready to support refugees from Ukraine

A statement said: “The unfolding humanitarian disaster in Ukraine is terrifying and our hearts go out to the innocent people trapped in this dreadful war zone following the unprovoked invasion of a sovereign country.

“Here in North Lanarkshire, we have a proud and compassionate record of ensuring that people escaping terror are made to made to feel welcome as we have done with people fleeing from Afghanistan and Syria during previous conflicts.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine and, working with our colleagues in COSLA, we stand ready at a local level to offer all the support we can to those who need it most.”

In addition, Airdrie’s boulevard of lights and North Lanarkshire’s council headquarters have been lit up in blue and yellow to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

To donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian appeal visit: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal