Ukraine refugees in Brighton mark six months of war

Today marks half a year since the beginning of the war as thousands of Ukrainians fled their homes to seek help in the UK.

The six-month anniversary of the invasion also falls on Ukrainian Independence Day so is particularly poignant for refugees across Sussex, including around 400 in Brighton.

Many will be praying for family and loved ones still in the country while other refugees continue to need support as they look for jobs and homes.

Councillor Alistair McNair said: “Many Ukrainian refugees have husbands preparing to fight who have never fought before. It’s unimaginable what they are going through.

August 24 marks 6 months since the war in Ukraine began

“Brighton has been very welcoming. I have met most of the hosts and Ukrainians in my ward and there haven’t been many problems at all.

“They are, however, really worried about where they will be living in the next six months. We need hosts to come forward.”

Cllr McNair lived and worked in Kyiv for around eight years as an English language teacher and is where he met and married his wife, Tetiana.

The couple took in his mother-in-law a few months into the invasion.

Cllr McNair says that the experience was enriching and made him understand what refugees and hosts are going through.

His wife Tetiana said: "People are celebrating but there is an order in place to stay inside. It is a day of hope.

"The people of Brighton and Hove have been really supportive. All the people here feel safe and welcomed."

"In Ukraine it is much more optimistic. I find that quite inspirational."

Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February with soldiers and tanks storming Kyiv and eastern cities to international condemnation.

Many still in the country have been sheltering in bomb shelters amid shelling and attacks which have more recently focused on the Crimea and Donetsk regions.

Host families took in refugees as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme set up by the government. This allowed Ukrainian refugees a three-year visa in order to live and work in the UK.

However, many of these refugees are now looking for new places to live with the original agreements with host families only lasting six months.

Councillor Alistair McNair has voiced his support for Ukrainian refugees

Brighton and Hove City Council Leader Phelim Mac Cafferty said: "On Ukrainian Independence Day we must all call for peace and an end to the conflict. Six months on, our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the military aggression against Ukraine.

"I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered to help in any way for their generous support. This has ranged from hosting guests fleeing Ukraine to offering translation, food, necessities and help with children arriving in the city.

"We are proud of our long history of solidarity and welcome for refugees. We remain committed to a compassionate and supportive response to all those fleeing devastating circumstances."