Kyiv mayor Klitschko in thanks toWest Midlands
THE mayor of Kyiv and former world heavyweight boxing champion Vitaly Klitschko, has thanked the West Midlands for its support for Ukraine and generosity in welcoming refuges.
Klitschko penned a letter to the region on the anniversary of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, a year after the first anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion.
As of February this year, 1,663 Ukrainian refugees had found a host family in the West Midlands under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Across the UK, more than 110,000 have arrived, the vast majority women and children.
The scheme was set up to allow Ukrainians to live, work and study in the UK, and access public funds, and is one of the fastest and largest visa programmes in UK history.
In his letter to West Midlands mayor Andy Street, Klitschko wrote: “Allow me on behalf of Kyiv and the Ukrainian
nation to express our highest consideration to you and all the officials and residents of the West Midlands for your consistent support of Ukraine. It is the
support of our friends for the citizens in need, both who took refuge in your towns and cities of the West Midlands, and those who are weathering all the challenges at their homes in Kyiv, that help us see who our true friends are, and our friendship is only growing stronger due to your actions.”
He added: “With the Homes for Ukraine scheme nearing its one-year anniversary, I would like to stress the value of people in the UK… understanding the importance of further support of Ukraine and its citizens. “As only by defending our common democratic values to the very end, can we succeed in calling ourselves free.”
Mr Street said: “From aid to providing sanctuary, the UK has helped to lead the way when it comes to international support for Ukraine. Thousands of local people right across the West Midlands have contributed to this effort. When this tragic conflict does finally come to an end – and peace and freedom is restored – I hope to work with fellow regional leaders like Mayor Klitschko to develop closer trade and cultural ties in the months and years ahead.” The UK Government is marking the anniversary of the launch of the Homes for Ukraine scheme throughout March.
They have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the scheme and encourage more hosts to come forward to support rematching of guests who need somewhere safe to stay during their time here in the UK.
Only by defending our common democratic values to the very end, can we succeed in calling ourselves free Vitaly Klitschko