Sometimes its worth taking stock. This time last year, the first grainy satellite images showed Russian tanks amassing along the North Eastern border of Ukraine. By the first week of January, they suggested that more than 100,000 troops had assembled. The intelligence was unclear. Most of our allies took the view that this was a deliberate act of aggression intended to lure President Biden to the negotiating table to redraw the security architecture in Eastern Europe. But that Putin would go no further than the border. British intelligence was different: that he was on the brink of an all-out invasion.
In light of that, the Ministry of Defence had stepped up support from January, supplying the Ukrainian military with Anti-Tank Weapons (NLAWs), the first European country to send arms to Ukraine. It was just the start of a £2.3 billion investment this year in which the UK is second only to the US in supplying President Zelensky with a host of military equipment including long-range rockets, short-range missiles and armoured vehicles.
The response in West Berkshire was rapid with communities springing into action to gather clothing, medicines, sanitary products and much more to help those in need. In the early days brave local businesses like Swift Logistics were even making the journey. Social media was replete with offers of support and this generosity continued with the establishment of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which launched three weeks after the invasion on 14 March.
As of last week, 78,749 people had arrived in England via the scheme, with 449 of those coming to live to West Berkshire. From weekly support meetings at the Newbury Baptist Church to local businesses providing jobs, schools in every town and village welcoming Ukrainian children (sometimes with little English) the community response has been extraordinary. West Berkshire can take pride in the fact it is one of the top five areas in the United Kingdom for take up of the scheme.
As Ukrainian forces buckle down for the tough winter months, the Government has announced an increased £150 million fund to support UK families hosting Ukrainian guests. Through this the Council have increased the ‘thank you’ payments by £100 per host, with additional £50 per guest until 31 March 2023. And the minimum host payment will increase to £500 per month once a guest has been in the UK for 12 months.
A fortnight ago, Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska addressed MPs and described the extent of war crimes happening every day. Whilst Putin’s forces are in retreat, key cities continue to be bombarded and energy blackouts loom. Rishi Sunak has personally reiterated the Government’s unwavering support for Ukraine for the road ahead.
No one can say what the future holds. But I am so proud of the commitment our community has shown and even though this Christmas will be very tough for our Ukrainian guests I hope they will take comfort from the deep bond of friendship that exists between our nations.