'We helped terrified families escape the war'

A year on from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, new speaks to three British hosts and the Ukrainian families they've opened their homes to

- SAMANTHA BRICK

On 24 February 2022, the world watched in horror as Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Missiles were soon raining down on major urban conurbations, including the capital Kyiv, destroying homes and communities and forcing millions to flee in search of safety.

Within weeks, the UK Government launched the Homes For Ukraine programme, encouraging Brits to welcome refugees into their homes. Several charities also supported those who were willing to offer a haven.

A year on from the start of the current conflict, we meet three Ukrainian families and their British hosts, whose experiences speak volumes about the capacity for compassion in a time of fear and hostility…

‘At first they were nervous wrecks’

Flea market owner Rosalind Wilkinson, 66, lives in Lewes, East Sussex, with her husband Alan. They are hosting Alina, her mum Natasha and Alina’s two-year-old son Dan.

ROSALIND SAYS:

“Last year, seeing pictures of the troops on the Ukrainian border and then watching on TV as everything from a maternity hospital to a residential block of flats was bombed, I was left with the strong feeling that I wanted to do something. I was willing to help in any way I could.

We signed up with a charity in May explaining how we could help. We have an independent flat attached to our property with its own entry and front door, containing a kitchen, bathroom and a bedroom with both a double and single bed. We’re less than a mile away from our village, where there’s a school, church, pub and shops.