Leeds City Council marks one year since the invasion of Ukraine

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council said: “From the first day of the invasion, we condemned Russia’s devastating and senseless war in Ukraine. As we mark the war’s first anniversary, we take the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to, and solidarity with Ukraine and its people.

“As is our proud tradition in Leeds, we opened our hearts, homes, and communities to people in need of our assistance. I’m humbled and grateful for what we as a community in Leeds continue to achieve in helping all people in need of refuge, whether it be from Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan or anywhere else. Thank you to everyone involved for that support, which we will continue to provide as a city for as long as it is needed.”

Within days of the invasion, Leeds City Council, in partnership with a range of refugee charities and other third-sector organisations, started a citywide fundraising appeal to support those affected by the conflict. The council kickstarted the fund with a donation of £50,000. Through the generosity of individuals, schools, community groups, businesses, and many other donor groups, over £150,000 has been raised to date.

In a further expression of solidarity, Leeds continues to explore ways to develop better links with Ukraine’s second city, Kharkiv. The scene of fierce fighting since the start of the war, around a third of Kharkiv’s 1.4 million residents have been evacuated from their homes.

Refugees from across Ukraine, including Kharkiv, have found sanctuary in Leeds, with the city welcoming more than 650 men, women, and children since the start of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council executive member for communities, said: “The response to the Homes for Ukraine scheme in Leeds has been truly magnificent, and we appreciate those people who have opened their homes to Ukrainian guests. 

“However, as this devastating war continues, we still need new hosts to come forward, whether to help with Ukrainian refugees already in the country or with the new people still arriving in Leeds.

“Hosting can be a rewarding experience for both host and guest, and our dedicated Homes for Ukraine team will be happy to answer your questions and provide further information if you are considering joining the scheme.”

Several events are taking place to mark the first anniversary of the invasion, starting with a national moment of silence at 11 am on 24 February. The Civic Hall will also fly the Ukrainian flag at full mast and civic buildings will be lit up with blue and yellow.

The Leeds Ukrainian Association will be holding a community rally at 5:30 pm, in Dortmund Square on 24 February and various community events will be held at the Leeds Ukrainian Community Centre, Newton Grove, LS7 4HW, on 25 February, including:

• An exhibition of paintings by wounded soldiers.
• A musical event.
• Spoken testimonies about the war from Leeds Ukrainians, Ukrainian refugees in Leeds, and people from Leeds currently in Ukraine.

For more information on these events, contact the Leeds Ukrainian Community Association by email: leeds@augb.co.uk.

Leeds City Council’s Homes for Ukraine scheme can be contacted by email at: homesforukraine@leeds.gov.uk and further information on the Homes for Ukraine scheme can be found at: https://bit.ly/homesforukraine