When war broke out on 24 February 2022 few could have foreseen the drawn out bloody conflict that would follow, with thousands of citizens in both countries losing their lives, millions driven from their homes, and entire cities left in ruins.
The people of Kent have a special relationship with Ukraine and, since the start of conflict, people across the county have shown incredible support, from welcoming refugees into their homes as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, to collecting and delivering desperately needed aid and supplies to war torn areas of the country.
Kent County Council (KCC) also has a very special relationship with the people of one regional state, Chernihiv, after a Memorandum of Understanding was agreed last year to develop and deepen co-operation between the county of Kent and the region in the north of the country, laying the foundation for robust cooperation and deep-rooted relationships between the two communities.
Roger Gough visited the Chernihiv region of Ukraine in November 2024
Today, three years since the war started, KCC Leader Roger Gough held a virtual meeting with the Head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, Vyacheslav Chaus, during which he reconfirmed Kent’s commitment and support to the region, and reinforced that spirit of friendship and solidarity on such a poignant day for the people of Ukraine.
Roger Gough said “There is an ongoing dialogue being played out in the media and across the world concerning the urgent need to find a way to resolve this conflict and secure peace on terms that protect the security of Ukraine and of Europe.
“As Ukraine enters a fourth year of conflict, it is important that we pause to remember the human suffering behind the headlines, and that humanitarian needs remain acute.
“The enormity of the impact on Ukrainian citizens is something that we can only begin to imagine, but it was important to me today, as Leader of KCC, to contact Vyacheslav Chaus simply to tell him that these people are in our thoughts, particularly on this the third anniversary of the conflict. It was also an opportunity to update him on the links that are being built and developed as part of our Memorandum of Understanding with the Chernihiv Region.”
Following today's call, Mr Chaus said "It is significant that on the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion I had a conversation with the Leader of Kent County Council, Roger Gough, and councillor Jordan Meade. All these three years, the British have been our reliable friends.
"We have many joint plans for 2025. Cooperation between communities and educational institutions of our two countries continues. We will strengthen joint work on veterans' policy and cooperation between our chambers of commerce and industry.
"Thank you for the unwavering support of the Chernihiv region,"
It is important that we pause to remember the human suffering behind the headlines.
Since the onset of the full invasion of Ukraine nearly four and a half thousand Ukrainians have been welcomed into the homes of more than two thousand families across Kent. Many have now moved on to live independently, and a number have now returned to Ukraine, but there are still more than three hundred households in the county offering a home and friendship to people who have fled the conflict.
In November 2024, Roger Gough and KCC's Lead Member for Ukraine Cooperation, Mr Jordan Meade, visited Chernihiv, at their own cost, to underscore Kent’s commitment to the region. During their visit a series of initiatives were discussed and planned, including supporting parishes in Kent to enter into twinning arrangements with their counterparts in Chernihiv, to provide ongoing humanitarian support, and for schools across the county to establish friendship agreements with schools in Chernihiv, so that students can practice language development and strike up friendships through a pen pal scheme.
Jordan Meade said today. Three years since the invasion the people of Chernihiv and Ukraine have to live under the daily fear of aerial attack, shelling, terrorist activity and bombardment from the Russian state.
“In a spirit of enduring friendship and support, we today mark the anniversary of the full-scale invasion by renewing our pledge and commitment to stand by the people of Chernihiv and Ukraine—a commitment demonstrated time and time again through Kent’s active engagement, the welcoming of over 4000 displaced Ukrainians to the county, and the enormous humanitarian efforts made by the people and businesses of Kent.
“Over the next few weeks schools and parish councils across the county will begin twining with their counterparts in Chernihiv, reaffirming that the people of Kent stand firmly behind Ukraine at this important juncture of the war. Our commitment and support for Chernihiv has only been strengthened by recent events and our determination to make a difference will be enduring.’
Roger Gough and Jordan Meade on a call with Vyacheslav Chaus earlier today
Last week Roger Gough and Jordan Meade welcomed Sviatoslav Yurash MP, the youngest member of the Ukrainian Parliament, on a visit to Kent. Mr Yurash was taken to meet aid volunteers in Gravesend who are busy preparing for their next mercy mission to Chernihiv, and also visited Cobham Hall School where he met with displaced Ukrainian students and learned about the comprehensive support that the school has been providing for Ukrainian students since 2022.
Headteacher of Cobham Hall, Wendy Barrett, said “At Cobham Hall, we are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all our students, including those displaced by conflict. Our Ukrainian students have become a valued part of our school community, bringing resilience, talent, and a unique perspective. We are proud to support them in their education and personal growth, ensuring they feel welcomed and empowered to thrive.”
To mark this poignant three year anniversary of the war, County Hall will be lit up tonight in blue and yellow, and the Ukrainian flag will be flying all week.
Chairman of KCC Bryan Sweetland said "Today we mark the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. I want to reaffirm that Kent continues to stand united with Ukraine, not just today, but every day, until justice is served and peace is restored."
