‘York stands with Ukraine’ – Message from city on first anniversary of Russian invasion

York leaders are sending a message of support and solidarity to the people of Ukraine as the world marks a year since the Russian invasion.

Since the launch of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, residents have welcomed 323 Ukrainians to York.

Support has been provided from the council and organisations across the city to ensure they can access mental health and emotional support, social interaction and community support, as well as vital services such as health care, education, social care and English language lessons.

In a show of symbolic solidarity councillors also voted to adopt the Ukrainian city of Lviv as York’s sister city earlier in April.

York’s leaders, residents and organisations will take part in a minute’s silence today (Friday) to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people.

Commemorative events are also set to take place across the city. The Mansion House will be proudly flying the Ukrainian flag, with the historic building lit in yellow and blue.

Council leader Keith Aspden and the Lord Mayor David Carr have also this week sent a letter of support to the Mayor of Lviv to pay tribute to the Ukrainian people in their brave fight for freedom.

Cllr Aspden said: “A year on since the barbaric and deplorable invasion of Ukraine, we stand in solidarity with our friends in Ukraine and those Ukrainians here in York, as we pay tribute to the incredible bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

“I want to thank everyone who has played a part in welcoming people from Ukraine to York in the past year – whether as hosts through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, by supporting community group projects to help people settle in locally, or simply by being warm and welcoming.

“I’m sure that people from Ukraine will find the coming days difficult, with the marking of one year since the invasion on Friday being a particularly sensitive time. We want you to know that York stands with you and we will continue to do all we can to support you and Ukraine.”