IT is now three years since Russia began the devastating war in Ukraine, a grim anniversary which is being marked with a “heavy heart”.
Thousands have been killed and injured in the conflict, which has been ongoing since Vladimir Putin’s failed attempt to take over the entire country in February 2022, and many more have been displaced from their homes.
The Island’s International Development Minister Carolyn Labey, who chairs the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission, commented that despite suffering immense hardship, the Ukrainian people had demonstrated “extraordinary resilience”.
Karolina Lindholm Billing, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees representative in Ukraine, meanwhile said that support from Jersey had made a “big difference” to the lives of Ukrainians.
She said: “For now three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, we are witnessing suffering, hardship, massive displacement, separation of families and dire humanitarian needs across Ukraine.
“I am very grateful to the government and people of Jersey for the continuous support to UNHCR’s Ukraine operation, not least the timely funding to our winter response, which has very directly helped households with specific vulnerabilities and needs due to the war to keep their homes warm and habitable during the harsh cold months.
“Compared to its size, Jersey’s contributions are proportionally significant, and the funding of a junior professional officer is also very valuable for our work on the ground in Ukraine, spanning life-saving aid and vital protection assistance to house repairs and contributions to the early recovery work.
“The support from Jersey truly makes a big difference in the life of Ukrainians, while at the same time sending a most important message that solidarity with the people of Ukraine remains strong.”
Deputy Labey said: “As we mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we do so with a heavy heart, reflecting on the immense suffering and hardship endured by the Ukrainian people, who continue to show extraordinary resilience.
“At the same time, we recognise and commend the people of Jersey’s efforts in fundraising and to welcoming some of those affected into our community. The response has been one of compassion and unwavering support.
“As an island, we stand firm in our commitment to humanitarian assistance and to supporting the people of Ukraine in their time of need.”
See the online and print editions of Monday’s JEP for further coverage of the anniversary, including an interview with a Ukrainian Islander about the war showing ‘the best and worst of humanity’; the story of a Jersey resident who drove an ambulance more than 1,000 miles to Lviv to support those affected by the war; and reports on two Islanders – one helping to de-mine the country and the other working in Kyiv as part of the UN’s refugee agency – and on how funding from Jersey Overseas Aid is helping.
