krainians dwelling in Northern Eire have gathered at Belfast Metropolis Corridor to mark their nation’s independence day.
The date was celebrated with music, women and men wearing conventional clothes in addition to a show of Ukrainian arts and crafts.
Northern Eire Workplace minister Conor Burns joined the crowds, and was warmly obtained as he spoke with folks, even donning a flower garland hat at one stage.
The gathering was made extra poignant approaching the six-month anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian president Vladimir Putin’s regime.
Marina Furey, who’s initially from Znamjanka however has been dwelling in Lisburn, Co Antrim for 18 years, stated they wished to indicate help to Ukrainian refugees within the area in addition to present their tradition to native folks.
“At the moment we have fun independence day, it’s been 31 years since we acquired our independence and it’s also six months precisely for the reason that Russian invasion of Ukraine so we need to present our help to Ukrainian refugees who’ve come to Northern Eire,” she advised the PA information company.
“We had a stall to offer out data for individuals who have come to Northern Eire not too long ago, but additionally we need to present native folks slightly little bit of our tradition, with our music and to help Ukraine exterior Ukraine.”
Ms Furey nonetheless has household in Ukraine, and stated it’s unhappy and demanding for her because the conflict goes on.
“It nonetheless feels unreal that’s it taking place, that it’s nonetheless occurring, heartbreaking,” she stated.
“I’m proud to be Ukrainian but it surely’s not the identical as being again dwelling to have fun independence day.
“I’ve spoken to some refugees who’ve come to Northern Eire, a few of them are discovering it laborious to get was a unique language and being so removed from dwelling.
“That’s why we’re right here to offer assist and help to those that want it.”
Efforts are nonetheless ongoing to gather support to ship to Ukraine.
“We’re accumulating humanitarian support throughout Northern Eire, there are assortment factors, together with one in Lisburn the place I reside,” she stated.
“We’re accumulating necessities, akin to girls’s and kids’s necessities, now we have a spot in Mallusk the place we separate donations into containers.
“Final Tuesday we despatched 18 tons of support of humanitarian support which reached Ukraine as we speak, and will likely be delivered to the place it’s wanted.
“Individuals have misplaced their houses, they want garments, and all of the necessities, particularly for infants, meals and blankets.”
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