Devon County Council invited Founding members of the Devon Ukrainian Association to address its Full Council meeting, marking the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Olya Petrakova, executive and founding director of the Devon Ukrainian Association, said: "Today, we were honoured to be invited to open the meeting of Devon County Council’s full council at County Hall, marking the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
"We spoke about the lived experiences of those who were forced to flee Ukraine in 2022 and in the years that followed - about loss, resilience, rebuilding, and the reality of starting again in a new country while war continues at home."
She thanked the council for its continued support of Ukrainians across Devon, and extended special gratitude to the migration and resettlement team for their "sustained commitment, care, and practical support."
Ms Petrakova was joined by fellow directors Oksana Kryviak and Bryan Brown. Anastasiia Kuznetsova, another director, was unable to attend due to a family illness.
During the meeting, both Ms Kryviak and Ms Kuznetsova- through words read by Ms Petrakova- shared personal stories of displacement.
Ms Kryviak reflected on her experience as a mother, expressing concern about what aspects of Ukrainian identity her children might carry with them while settling abroad.
She said: "When I look at my children, I think- what will they carry with them?
"What will stay from Ukraine, here, so far from home?
"The language?
"The songs?
"The feeling of knowing who they are?"
She emphasised the importance of preserving Ukrainian heritage for children growing up in Devon.
Councillor Caroline Leaver, chair of Devon County Council, said: "Today is the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russians.
"I am here with Olya and Oksana from the Devon Ukrainian Association.
"They will be speaking to open our council meeting today in recognition of the terrible plight of their country and their countrymen.
"I would like us all to remember just how traumatic this is, not only for people still in Ukraine, but for people here and across the world and their friends and families.
"I would like to thank the Devon people for the welcome that has been offered to people from Ukraine who have come here.
"And I'd like to express my deep sympathies and condolences for all of the losses that have happened in Ukraine."
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