When I visited Ukraine in the 1990s, we knew that there were tensions between the largely Russian-speaking east and the mostly Ukrainian-speaking west. We also saw the ever-present Russians in the Black Sea ports. However, in the 1990s, even with war in the Caucasus and the residual animosity of the cold war, few of us thought that Russia would make moves, starting in 2014, to bring Ukrainians “back into the fold”.
Ukraine is a vast country – it takes about 20 hours to cross by rail – of more than 40 million people with a turbulent history. Many families look both east and west for their family ties and interests. As the latest invasion started, on February 24 2022, some 6.4 million Ukrainians moved abroad. 250,000 came to UK. At the peak, around 60 were hosted in Rye and district. Hearing their stories from places such as Kherson, Mariupol, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Irpin and the Donbas, has brought the war closer to home.
For those us working on the Rye and District Homes for Ukraine scheme, we are entering the third year of operation. We have been able to get to know something of the original 25 families, now reduced to 10, as some have returned long term to safer parts of the country. We are always surprised by the resilience and determination of those who came to UK, often with little English, few possessions and away from friends and family.
All the families have backstories, filled variously with tragedy and bad memories. Menfolk are mostly back home, committed to the war effort. Some have been injured; all are missed. Those here under the scheme can return at own expense to Ukraine for brief periods but travel is difficult and long. Whether their return is short or long, what is certain is that most have made friends for life in Rye and district.
The Rye Homes for Ukraine Social Hub provides light touch support, communication via WhatsApp and meetings for Ukrainians to network and come together to chat. We have developed the ability to provide all the social support and advice on living in the UK. If we cannot help then we know an expert who can. External support has come from Rother Voluntary Action, acting for Rother District and East Sussex Councils. In addition there have been individuals from local organisations such as Hastings Advice and Representation Centre and Hastings Council, who have brought particular skills and knowledge.
Many of the Ukrainians here are embedded in local shops, businesses and schools. Some hosts have been involved since the start and I cannot say enough about their kindness and generosity for opening up their homes in such a cause. Thanks must also go to the Baptist Church, the River Haven Hotel and Ashburnham Place, for providing locations for meetings.
The war has now reached another difficult phase, with a challenging situation on many parts of the 620 mile frontline and cracks in its international support. Individuals here have suffered the burden of two years of disruption and separation from mother country and wider family.
When we started, we suspected that we were in for the long haul. Ukraine might have slipped in the national news, but we are prepared to go on doing what is necessary until peace returns. If anyone wishes to help with the activities of the Rye Homes for Ukraine then do please contact us via Rye Town Hall.
Image Credits: Anthony Kimber .