York leaders pay their respects to brave Ukrainians a year since the war began

The Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor David Carr, and Leader of the Council, Councillor Keith Aspden have paid their respects to Ukraine and its people on the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

As the city marks one year since the war began with a vigil, one minute’s silence and events across the city, leaders are also calling for residents to continue to support Ukrainians.

The Lord Mayor, Cllr David Carr, said:

“We are inviting the city to join the council and its staff in observing the national minute’s silence today at 11am (Friday 24 February). That silence marks the anniversary of Russia’s appalling invasion of Ukraine. 

“We hope that residents can join a vigil to be held at 12 noon at York Minster. That has been organised with local charity York City of Sanctuary and will include readings, prayers, music and reflections from the Ukrainian community in York.

“Finally, it is a matter of great pride that York Ukrainian Society has opened an exhibition at St Michael’s Church, Spurriergate. This very moving exhibition shows photographs which honour Ukrainian students who have lost their lives in the war. The photos - by Ukrainian professional photographers and others, collected by Ukrainians who now live in York - and provide a chance to reflect on the terrible losses suffered by Ukraine and its people over the last year in this needless conflict.”

Leader of the Council, Councillor Keith Aspden, said: 

“As the appalling war rages on, we continue to stand with the people of Ukraine in their heroic fight for freedom.

“Since this illegal and atrocious war began a year ago, thousands have been killed and millions displaced, with 114,400 Ukrainians finding refuge in the UK alone under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

“As a City of Sanctuary, we are ready and willing to welcome people fleeing the horrors of war in the hope that they can once again experience peace and safety in their country in the near future. We are deeply grateful to the 180 York residents who have opened their hearts and homes to over 300 Ukrainians fleeing the war.

“As the war rages on, the people of Ukraine will continue to need our support. More local housing sponsors are needed, so a new register is being set up by York City of Sanctuary. I would like to take the opportunity on this dreadful anniversary to appeal again to York residents to continue to help in any way they can.”

For more information about the seminar for potential hosts for Ukrainians, email: homesforukraine@york.gov.uk

To register as a potential sponsor with the Homes for Ukraine Scheme in York, go to: https://york.cityofsanctuary.org

Minster vigil: https://yorkminster.org/latest/york-minster-vigil-for-the-anniversary-of-ukraine/