York stands in solidarity with Ukraine and pays respect to bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people

Marking one year since the invasion of Ukraine, city leaders are sharing a message of support and solidarity to the people of Ukraine as they continue their brave fight for freedom.

Since the start of the Russian invasion, York has stood in solidarity with Ukraine, with the Council, residents and organisations stepping up to show their support.

Since the launch of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, local 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 Lviv, Ukraine, as York’s sister city earlier in April. This was done both as an act of solidarity, as well to build further cultural and community links with Lviv.

York’s leaders, residents and organisations will take part in a minute’s silence on 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 and the Lord Mayor 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.

Council Leader Councillor Keith Aspden commented:

“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.”