MEMBERS of the Ukrainian community and supporters gathered in Eastbourne yesterday (23 February) to mark three years since the start of the war in their country.
The town’s Mayor, Councillor Candy Vaughan, laid flowers at the memorial alongside MP Josh Babarinde who joined Ukrainians who fled their country and have built lives in the UK.
The event started at Banker’s Corner where a crowd heard from speakers about the invasion and the support they are receiving from the UK and local people who continue to raise funds and equipment for the frontline.
There was then a procession which led attendees to the war memorial where flowers and wreaths were laid to remember those who are currently fighting and those who have lost their lives in the conflict.
Mariia Savvinova, Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Eastbourne Branch, told Eastbourne News: “It was amazing to be supported by the town’s Mayor and MP at our vigil. We’ve had a great amount of support from the UK Government with housing and Universal Credit, which we will forever be grateful for.
“Most of the Ukrainians who came here are now working and their children are at local schools here and living a normal life to a certain extent.
“However, their mental health is not in a good place at the moment, because we’re in the third year and we’re still waiting for peace – it’s very exhausting.”
Simon Rooksby, Chairman of Computers for Charities (CfC), based in Hailsham, has been supporting Ukraine since the start of the war by collecting and delivering aid to the country.
He said: “We have supported the association since 2023, primarily providing a safe place for Children & Adults adapting to UK culture. and seeks to provide additional support & resources to aid other local & displaced people in the area through its hub meeting place.
“CfC has operated since 1994, not just computers, but people and organisations locally, nationally and worldwide remain our priority. Hence, when approached by the Ukrainian Association, we were happy to assist by sharing our facilities for meetings and support for almost two years now. Plus going into Ukraine as well!”
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