Council and Ukrainian Embassy reinforce York’s support for Ukraine

Leaders from City of York Council met last Wednesday (9 April) with representatives from the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK to discuss how York can continue supporting Ukraine and Ukrainians

as the country resists Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began in early 2022.

Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, and Cllr Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, welcomed Mr Oleksandr Yurkin, Counsellor for Consular Issues, and Ms Inna Pylypchuk, who is responsible for interregional and twinning cooperation at the Ukrainian Embassy.

During the meeting, which took place at the council’s West Offices headquarters, Cllr Douglas highlighted York’s continued support for its Ukrainian community, particularly those who arrived in the city after fleeing the war.

Since 2022, a total of 419 Ukrainians have arrived in York as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with 223 York households offering accommodation to the new arrivals.

Through a dedicated Homes for Ukraine team, the council has provided help, including financial support, longer-term housing, employment and education, health, and more to both guests and hosts.

The meeting also marked another step forward in developing closer ties between York and the city of Lviv, following the passing of a council motion in 2022.

Lviv is situated in the west of Ukraine, approximately seventy miles from the Polish border and has a population of just over 700,000. Lviv’s centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and like York, Lviv is a designated UNESCO Creative City, recognised for its literary culture.

Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council,  said:

“It was a privilege to welcome Mr Yurkin and Ms Pylypchuk to York this week to discuss our ongoing support for the Ukrainian community here and deepen our relationship with Lviv in the spirit of solidarity and friendship.

“Our priority remains finding practical and meaningful ways to support both the people of Lviv, and our Ukrainian guests in York and we will continue to do this, with the support of our communities across the city.”

Oleksandr Yurkin, Head of Consular Section at the Embassy of Ukraine in London, said:

“Our visit to York and meeting with City of York Council leaders was a powerful reminder of the strength of international partnerships in times of crisis.

“We are deeply grateful for the solidarity shown by the people of York and look forward to growing our relationship through shared understanding, cultural exchange, and future cooperation between York and Lviv.”