TODAY (TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24), as the Ukrainian people were marking the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion in their homeland, research from the Irish Red Cross has suggested that uncertainty is among the biggest concerns for the people of Ukraine living on Irish soil.
The anniversary of the eruption of war in Ukraine is being marked across Ireland and all over Europe today, with a joint statement from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council President António Costa, and EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola hitting out at the “full-scale and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine” by Russia.
The EU statement said that “we pay tribute to the brave people of Ukraine, who continue to resist and defend their country”.
“Russia has not achieved its military objectives in Ukraine. As Russia cannot advance on the battle ground, it deliberately targets Ukrainian civilian and critical infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, hospitals, schools and residential buildings in the midst of a severe winter,” the statement said.
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“Ukrainians remain formidable in their fortitude, determination, and resilience.”
“The European Union has stood firmly with Ukraine and its people from the very first day of Russia’s aggression,” the joint-statement from the EU leaders said.
“Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is the cornerstone. No country can annex its neighbour. Borders cannot be changed by force. The aggressor cannot be rewarded. In the current challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine.”
Closer to home, a survey from the Irish Red Cross of almost 1,500 Ukrainians living in Ireland (including 41 in Limerick), suggested that uncertainly about the future is a key concern for the people of Ukraine on Irish soil.
The survey said that “64 per cent identified uncertainty related to the ongoing conflict as well as their future or family situation, including visa status” as a challenge.
Results showed that 56 per cent of those responding to the survey were in employment, however 57 per cent felt they had just enough money and support to manage basic needs, while 15 per cent said they struggled to afford essentials.
80 per cent of respondents, according to the Irish Red Cross, expressed the desire to remain in Ireland “for a long time”.
One Ukrainian woman who fled to Ireland following the 2022 outbreak of war in her homeland, Nataliia from Vyshgorod in the Kyiv region, said that “the best thing about Ireland is the Irish people who have been a big support to me – they are very friendly and open minded”.
Nataliia fled Ukraine with her five-year-old daughter, who she says now “is more Irish than Ukrainian; she speaks with a Dublin accent”.
The Irish Red Cross said that “many survey respondents expressed concern about growing anti-Ukrainian and anti-migrant sentiments in Ireland and were keen to share stories of the positive contributions that they and fellow Ukrainians are making Ireland; working, starting new businesses, paying taxes, renting homes in remote areas, volunteering and engaging with community group”.
Following the publication of its survey results, the Irish Red Cross is now calling for a number of supportive steps from the Government.
The organisation called on the Government to extend the Accommodation Recognition Payment to March 2027 at its current rate of €600 per month. It noted that, if the payment is terminated, “there is a risk that over 40,000 people would be competing ffor private rental accommodation”.
The organisation also called on the Government to create better career pathways for Ukrainian people, provide alternative rental supports, and provide clear exit strategies and supports for those living in state-provided accommodation.