Ukraine

A year has now passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In that time, thousands have been killed and millions more forced to flee their homes in search of safety. 

On 24 February 2022, Ukrainians across the nation woke to the sound of explosions as Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into the country. Facing threats to anyone who resisted the Russian forces, the people of Ukraine made a unified show of defiance that became an inspiration around the world. 

Despite the heroism of millions of everyday Ukrainians, the war continues to have a devastating impact. In the first 24 hours of the attack, at least 100,000 people were forced to leave their homes, and in the year that has followed, thousands have lost their lives and 14 million people have been displaced from their homes, with around half of those people seeking refuge in Europe.

The journey to Europe

Most Ukrainian men are banned from leaving the country so women are left to travel by themselves, often with children, to find safety in a new country. In the first days of the war, cars queued up in their thousands at the border and people spent days waiting at train stations. In the months that followed, Ukrainians found safety in countries across Europe and the UK has become a new home for over 160,000 Ukrainian refugees.

The war continues

A year on from the initial invasion, the war in Ukraine no longer dominates international headlines but it still rages on. 

Russian missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have left millions of people across the country without power or water throughout the winter months. Blackouts are now a normal part of life and intermittent access to the internet has made it difficult for many to work. 

Despite the huge challenges, Ukrainians remain unified. Key territories have been liberated from Russian control and the West has provided more military support and refuge for Ukrainian people. 

With the end of war still far from sight, Ukrainians are left to rebuild their lives and figure out a new normal. For millions it means starting again in a new country, often learning a different language and without a network of friends and family for support. 

At BHSU, our aim is to give Ukrainians the opportunity to enjoy fulfilling and enriching lives in the UK until it is safe for them to return home. As the war stretches out over years not months, we don’t want Ukraininas to feel their lives are stuck on hold. Instead, we hope to create lasting connections between British and Ukrainian people, sharing cultures and learning from each other in ways that will last long after the war has ended.