News / Ukraine
Bristol’s Ukrainian community marks two years since Russian invasion
Bristol’s Ukrainian community and beyond came together on Saturday to mark the second anniversary of the country’s war against Russia.
Ukrainians sang their national anthem, carried flowers and flags and held a series of events and workshops at the Galleries.
Almost 1,000 refugees have been given shelter in Bristol since the start of the war, through Bristol City Council’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. In October, the council pledged an extra £1m of support to Ukrainian refugees in Bristol.
is needed now More than ever
A number of charities including Hope for Ukraine, and From Bristol with Love for Ukraine, have been set up to support refugees living here and those still in the war torn country.
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Olya Radetskaya, who helped to organise the march, is from the Luhansk region of the country, which is currently occupied by Russia.
She told Bristol24/7 she helped to organise the event “to remind the world what is going on and to show we are still desperate for the help of Great Britain.”
“With everything that is happening around the world right now, it is even more important to make sure that we are heard,” she told Bristol24/7.
Olya Radetskaya, who helped to organise the march, is from the Luhansk region of the country, which is currently occupied by Russia – photo: Mia Vines Booth
The Ukrainian community gathered outside City Hall – photo: Mia Vines Booth
“In my hometown, everyone I know and love has lost absolutely everything, and it is really tragic.”
Olya, who lives in Bradley Stoke and works in corporate facilities, has lived in Bristol for ten years, and the UK for 21 years and said she feels very supported here. She has nephews, cousins and friends who still live in Ukraine.
“We have a very strong community here. We all feel incredibly saddened but we do whatever we can. We volunteer, we work very hard to send aid to Ukraine, to raise awareness, and its our common goal.
“I’ve never in my life seen so much support in the city, it’s been incredible, but unfortunately in the last few months it feels like people start to forget, which is understandable because there are other wars happening and the UK is struggling with other issues.
“I really really hope that we don’t have to do this again next year.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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