Ukrainian independence marked

UKRAINIAN Independence Day was marked by Barnsley MPs last week.

Last Wednesday was the six-month anniversary since Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the wartorn country.

Ukrainians fleeing the conflict with Russia can apply for a visa to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship

Scheme. The Family Scheme allows Ukrainian nationals to stay with relatives already living in the UK, and the Sponsorship Scheme, also known as ‘Homes for Ukraine’, allows individuals to host refugees for a minimum of six months.

Home Office data shows 36 refugees staying with sponsors in Barnsley under the

Homes for Ukraine Scheme had arrived in the UK by

June.

Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley East, paid tribute to Ukraine and praised residents’ resilience. She added: “On Ukrainian Independence Day, I paid tribute to the bravery of Ukrainian forces and citizens.

“They are an inspiration to us all.”