Council Leader Cammy Day writes in today's Edinburgh Evening News about Ukrainian Independence Day and Edinburgh's continued support for Ukrainians.
As Kyiv’s twin city I am immensely proud of the role that Edinburgh has played in helping those fleeing Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. Residents, volunteers, and Council colleagues have worked steadfastly and compassionately to help our new arrivals. Support from individuals and businesses have also been exceptional. This is a testament to the spirit of our Capital city and conveys the very best qualities of our citizens.
Today marks thirty-one years since the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) ratified the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. This re-established Ukraine as a sovereign, independent nation after over seven decades of rule by the Soviet Union. In the ensuing years Ukraine has evolved into a diverse, forward thinking, and modern democracy and this is a day for all Ukrainians to celebrate their heritage and freedom.
Today, however, also marks another grim milestone. It is exactly six months to the day since Russia invaded Ukraine and sent shockwaves throughout the world with the indiscriminate brutality and illegality of their actions.
Since February, over 6,700 refugees have passed through our Welcome Hub at Gogarburn House with over 600 of these individuals living with host families around the city. Council colleagues continue to undertake exceptional work through our Customer Hub on the High Street. In the last week an average of 200 people per day visited to access support on the range of services we offer. Moreover, over 1,000 passengers are now aboard the MS Victoria and are receiving the full support of the Council and our services. On my visit to the ship last month, I saw first-hand the excellent facilities available to those beginning their new life in Scotland. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the crew and auxiliary staff onboard. In March, councillors also voted unanimously to award the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh to the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Mayor Vitali Klitschko of Kyiv.
Along with the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, Ukrainian Consul Yevhen Makowskyj, and Father Vasyl Krenj of the Ukrainian Catholic Church Our Lady of Pochayiv (Leith), I will today be attending a celebratory concert at the Edinburgh Branch of the Associations of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB). The AUGB have worked tirelessly in the last six months to help their fellow Ukrainians who have been forced to flee in the wake of this brutal invasion. I would like to thank the Edinburgh Branch Chair Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk and her team for their ongoing and vital support.
Today, as we celebrate Ukraine’s independence, their national flag will proudly fly above the City Chambers as it has done since the first days of this terrible war. The yellow and blue colours of the flag will also light up a number of buildings around the Capital including our own Granton Gas Tower in North Edinburgh. These will serve as a reminder to all residents and visitors in our Capital city that we will always stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people.