Nickie Aiken, Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster, returned to the Ukrainian Welcome Centre in Mayfair to mark one year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Throughout Putin’s war in Europe, the British Government has stood with the people and Government of Ukraine.
From freezing over £18 billion of Russian assets, to sanctioning individuals funding Putin’s illegal invasion, and galvanising Governments worldwide to step up support for Ukraine. The UK Government has been unwavering in its support for Ukraine.
As we marked one year since Russia’s invasion, Nickie returned to the Ukrainian Welcome Centre and caught up with project manager Andriy Marchenko, Rev’d Mykola Matwijjiwsky, and the brilliant team. Nickie was pleased to see that the Centre continues to hold regular lessons and information workshops, enabling our Ukrainian brothers and sisters who have settled in the UK to keep hold of their heritage and adjust to life in the UK.
Since the war began, the public response has been heart-warming. Almost 220,000 Ukrainians have settled here, most of whom have been welcomed into people’s homes across the country, and many are now enrolled in schools, starting new careers, or enhancing their studies.
As Russian tanks continue their occupation of Ukraine, Nickie will never forget that Ukraine’s fight for its freedom, is the fight for all of our freedoms.
The UK will always stand with Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!
Nickie commented,
"I'm standing on the steps of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral here in Mayfair in the Two Cities. I've been to see the brilliant people of the Ukrainian Welcome Centre that was set up here a year ago to help and support the thousands of Ukrainian people who came to the United Kingdom following Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. And it is a year ago today that that illegal war started.
"And I'm very proud of the support the British Government and the British people have given the Ukrainian people and their Government. And we must continue to support them as they take on the tyranny of Russia and bring this war to an end."
