Wakefield stands in solidarity with Ukraine on the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion

A national minute’s silence for everybody affected by the war will also be marked by people across the country at 11am.

Since the war began, hundreds of Ukrainians fleeing the conflict have made the district their new home.

They were sponsored by residents who registered with the ‘Homes for Ukraine Scheme’, that was launched on March 14 last year, to give people the opportunity to sponsor a Ukrainian to come to the UK.

There are currently 138 sponsors providing a home to 181 adults and 89 children – 42 Ukrainians are now living independently, with the council directly involved in supporting them, to help them settle into their new lives.

Roadshows were organised by the council to offer a range of practical and financial advice on local employment and education opportunities.

School places have been arranged for young children, and targeted assistance provided to help with their learning. And there have been referrals for adults to local centres where they can learn English.

In March 2022, Wakefield Council donated £25,000 to Wakefield’s twin city of Konin in Poland, which has enabled them to provide critical humanitarian aid to Ukrainians who have fled to Poland.

Coun Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “I’d encourage everyone to take the time to reflect on this poignant first anniversary, and to remember the suffering which Putin’s terrible invasion of Ukraine continues to inflict on its people.

“For our Ukrainian residents, I know Friday will be an incredibly difficult day. I want them to know that we’ll continue to provide them with the support they need, and that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them and their compatriots in this fight for freedom.”