BAD weather did not stop Ukrainians living in Salisbury from celebrating their day of independence.
Guildhall Square hosted a fair to showcase traditional Ukrainian dance, music and cuisine to mark the country's 33rd anniversary of independence on Saturday, August 24, as its war against Russia rages on.
Local dignitaries including MP John Glen and Mayor of Salisbury councillor Sven Hocking joined in the heartfelt celebrations.
During a speech, Mayor Hocking reminded residents that Salisbury is all too familiar with the aggressor who invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Oksana Prokopiv then gave a speech on behalf of Ukrainian Community United before initiating a minute of silence to remember those fighting in the war against Russia.
She said: "For me, being here today means to remind everyone that Ukraine is still fighting for our place in the world."
Mrs Prokopiv moved to Salisbury with her sons while her husband stayed in Ukraine and her brother fought in the Ukrainian army.
"I just try to live day by day and I always think about what I can do for Ukraine and how I can help everyone when I live in a safe place," she said.
"My heart always tells me we should bring people together and now I can say I'm leader of the Ukraine community in Salisbury."
Feeling "grateful" for the support from the people of Salisbury, Mrs Prokopiv said: "I'm proud of my Ukrainian team and I can say we're an amazing community.
"Even today in heavy rain we're still here; we're dancing, singing and we're together."
Iryna Dovhan left her husband Valentine in a village between Kyiv and Lviv to move to Salisbury with her two children in September 2022.
Being forced to flee her home country was "terrible" but Mrs Dovhan expected to stay in the UK for just a month. She soon realised there was no end of the war in sight so her children began to study here.
Almost two years on, Mrs Dovhan set up a stall on Ukrainian Independence Day selling handmade candles she created using Ukrainian wax in a bid to raise money to support soldiers, hospitals and humanitarian relief.
Mrs Dovhan said: "It's a little help, we understand, but we try to do what we can."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel