Dozens joined Salisbury’s Ukrainian community on the Market Place for a celebration of the country’s independence.

Many arrived to the event on Thursday, August 24 wearing vyshyvankas and Ukrainian food was offered for free to members of the community as a show of gratitude for the support during the past year and a half. Dishes included vareniki (a traditional dumpling stuffed with potatoes) and nalistniki (pancakes stuffed with poppyseed and cottage cheese).

Salisbury MP John Glen and mayor Atiqul Hoque both spoke at the event.

Mr Glen said: “I want to thank all of the people of Ukraine for your determination. We stand with you and this government stands with you, too.”

Oksana Prokopiv, 39, who has lived in Salisbury with her two sons for over a year since leaving Ukraine, thanked Mr Glen, Mr Hoque, former mayor Councillor Tom Corbin, and Salisbury City Council for their support.

Oksana also said a word of thanks for Jane Ebel, who founded the Salisbury Community Hub for Ukraine, and for the Salisbury Methodist Church, which provides the organisation with a venue for many of its activities.

Oksana said: “We want to thank all the people of Great Britain. What you have done is truly incredible. You opened your homes and hearts.

“Another country, another language, another culture- everything is foreign, but not anymore. Because you accepted every Ukrainian as a member of your family. You entrusted us with your cosy homes, shared our constant worries, comforted and soothed with cups of hot English tea with milk and delicious dinners. You managed to bring back our dreams that seemed lost forever on February 24, 2022.

“You are an incredible nation. Our sincere gratitude to all of you.”