Ukrainians in South Yorkshire feeling 'dreadful' about what may happen next in Russian war

We've been speaking to The Chairman of the Doncaster Branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain about recent developments

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 22nd Nov 2024

People in South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire - with links to Ukraine - tell us they're living with a 'dread' in the pit of their stomach over what may happen next - as the war with Russia continues to escalate.

Yesterday - Russia's ambassador to the UK said Britain's now 'directly involved' in the war in Ukraine - after Kyiv’s forces used British Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets on Russian territory.

Paul Iwanyckyj is the Chairman of the Doncaster Branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain:

"There's no telling when the next wave on conscription will come along for the younger men, so that's always a worry.

"It's about western resolve; it's time for the west to stand firm with Ukraine.

"If you don't stand up to a bully - like Putin - then who are you going to stand up to?

"This is the time when Ukraine - having lost so many men - need even firmer backing from the EU, NATO, and America.

"The biggest worry is of course Trump on the horizon, because then we've got another unpredictable character in the mix.

"There's concern all the time over what might happen, but Ukraine has shown itself to be extremely resilient, brave, and resourceful.

"Let's hope like in the bleak days of World War two, that those characteristics win this battle".

The Russian ambassador to the UK - Andrei Kelin - also claims Ukraine is using other countries in its fight against Russia.

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