Ukraine – One year on

Many people have been forced to flee from their homes to find safety and refuge in neighbouring countries, away from families, friends and loved ones.

The Mayor of Hertford, Cllr Sue Barber said:

‘My heart goes out to everyone affected by the atrocities we are witnessing in Ukraine. Families have been torn apart, lives have been lost, homes destroyed and there has been unspeakable suffering.

In Hertford we are proud of the strengths of our community brought by our citizens from around the world. Today we send a message of kindness, tolerance, compassion and understanding to everyone affected by this terrible conflict and we hope that peace can soon be restored.

Thank you to everyone in the community who has provide much-needed support to the people of Ukraine over the last year including the many Hertford residents hosting Ukrainian families. In March 2022 the community organised a Vigil and prayers at Parliament Square. At the Christmas Market in November 2022, it was a delight to welcome our Ukrainian guests, see their beautiful gifts and handicrafts on display and watch the wonderful performance of the Ukrainian choir on stage. It is also lovely to hear that a group of Ukrainians have taken on a plot at one of the Town Council’s Allotments’.

As a symbol of solidarity with the people of Ukraine and everyone affected by the conflict the Ukrainian flag will fly at Hertford Castle to mark this first anniversary of the war and in future will be flown on Ukrainian Independence Day (24 August).