The resilience of Ukrainians and the ongoing support offered to them following the Russian invasion of Ukraine three years ago has been acknowledged by B&NES Council.
Monday 24th February marks the third anniversary of the invasion, with the local authority flying the country’s flag from the top of the Guildhall in Bath.
The council is also thanking everyone in the district who has offered support over the past few years, including the residents who have opened their homes to Ukrainian families.
People can still offer to ‘sponsor’ or host a guest under the Homes for Ukraine scheme to provide a home for Ukrainians wanting to come to UK to escape the war.
More than 380 people have been hosted in Bath and North East Somerset so far, and some of their experiences of building their new lives have been shared in a series of short films.
A concert of Ukrainian music and visual art to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion will take place on Monday 24th February at 6.30pm at Bath Abbey, organised by The Friends of Oleksandriya.
The deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Ukraine, Eduard Fesko, will meet B&NES Council Leader Councillor Kevin Guy ahead of the concert at the Guildhall.
Councillor Guy said: “We continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people and acknowledge your incredible resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering.
“We must continue to defend democracy and so I am looking forward to welcoming Mr Fesko to our city as a symbol of our ongoing support for Ukrainian people. You are not alone.
“Thank you to our residents who have opened their homes to guests and provided a safe place to stay.
“We are still encouraging more residents to consider whether they could become hosts and to get in touch with us if you think you could offer a spare room for six months.”
Anyone thinking of becoming a Homes for Ukraine host is asked to email [email protected]
