Ukrainians living in the city gathered in Liverpool Parish Church for a ‘Stand with Ukraine’ vigil to mark the three-year anniversary of the invasion on Feb 24.
Reverend Dr. Taras Khomych, Chair of The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (Liverpool) led the event, thanking the city for its continued support towards the community.
He said: “Just more than one year ago we were united by music because of the Eurovision, but this unity did not disappear, it stays because it’s based on real friendship and real values.”
Nearly seven million people have now fled Ukraine, with more than 250,000 seeking refuge in the UK.
Both the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme granted Ukrainian refugees the right to live, work and study in the UK for up to three years.
However, many Ukrainians in the UK now face uncertainty as those who arrived in the early stages of the conflict will soon see their visas expire.
With many Ukrainians who have called the UK their home for the past three years now facing the possibility of displacement, Reverend Canon Bill Addy shared his hopes for the now, local community.
He said: “I think it’s vitally important for the people of Liverpool to be seen to be welcoming Ukraine and we’ve done that for over three years, but our commitment is to a just peace for Ukraine.”
Reverend Canon Bill Addy urged the Government to consider the challenges regarding immigration that Ukrainians now face, and more so following the US and President, Donald Trump’s recent involvement in the invasion.
Earlier this week, US President Trump accused Ukraine of starting the conflict with Russia, stating that much could have been done sooner to reach a peace deal.
Mariana Mazur, Employment advisor at United for Ukraine spoke of the condition of the land and communities that many Ukrainians will be facing on their return home.
She said: “Many of them don’t have any home to live in anymore. They destroyed it. They face new challenges starting their life there from scratch.”
Just today, Ukraine agreed terms with the US on a minerals deal in the hopes of encouraging peace negotiations, whilst the UK has increased defence spending to 2.5%.
Marianna Vaszilyiv, Lead key worker at United for Ukraine spoke of the importance of a strong defence and unity within Europe.
She said: “We are not fighting only for us, we are fighting for the whole civilised world, we are like a kind of shield of Europe for the countries that are behind us.”
