Four years on from the start of the Homes for Ukraine (H4U) scheme some ten families remain in and around Rye District. Each month there are very popular social events to bring the Ukrainians together which take place at the River Haven Hotel. Diane Turner, manager of the hotel said, “It is always our pleasure to host the Rye Hub for H4U. It is so lovely to see them chatting away to each other and sharing food of their country.”
Anthony Kimber, who leads the Rye Hub for H4U, said at the latest event, “We, in conjunction with Susan Gedge of Rother Voluntary Action, will continue to provide help and support to those taking sanctuary from the war in Ukraine for as long as required.”
The occasion was warm and inviting and the home-made food was delicious.
Inna Skaletskaya was at the tea party and shared her thoughts, “In 2025, my son I and set out on a journey that should have been simple: going home to Ukraine to see our relatives for Christmas and the New Year. We are originally from Chornomorsk, a port city just 20 kilometres from Odesa. Because the unprovoked, aggressive Russian war has kept Ukrainian airspace closed for years, our only option was to fly into neighbouring Moldova and take a bus the rest of the way.
“Originally, there were two bridges connecting our region. However, the first was destroyed in the very first days of the full-scale invasion. Because of this, to reach Chornomorsk from the south, there is now only one road crossing the estuary—a vital logistical artery for thousands of Ukrainians. While we were still at the airport, Russian forces fired missiles at this exact route. Tragically, a family driving across the bridge was killed, and the bridge was immediately closed for repairs.
“So, we took a decision to go Izmail to my sister, two days later the bridge was reopened. We felt a surge of hope. But the very next day, Russian war criminals struck the bridge again, forcing it to close once more.
“Ultimately, we were unable to reach Chornomorsk to see our beloved hometown. We stayed with my sister in Izmail for Christmas, but even there, we were far from safe. Our family with children had to spend Christmas night in a basement as Russian forces launched a massive drone and missile attack on the city. Izmail is home to a vital port, and these terrifying strikes are part of a deliberate, ongoing campaign to destroy Ukraine’s grain and agricultural exports. Exhausted but grateful to be alive, we decided to buy tickets and fly back to the UK earlier, even though we had originally planned to celebrate the New Year in Ukraine.
“This aggressive war continues without pause. The winter attacks are yet another proof of a deliberate campaign of genocide. This past winter was the hardest yet for Ukraine’s energy grid due to relentless enemy strikes. Millions faced severe shortages of electricity, water, and heating in the freezing cold. Yet, Ukrainians clearly understand why they endure this suffering—and they know the dark alternative of surrendering.
“As our fallen warrior Pavlo Petrychenko once said, ‘The beautiful remain optimistic.’ Despite the darkness, our spirit is not broken. I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Britain for giving us a safe haven, and for the unwavering support shown to the victims of this war and to the people in Ukraine who fight every single day for the right to simply remain Ukrainian.”
Image Credits: Anthony Kimber , Kt bruce , Инна Скалецкая .