Children from an intermediate school in eastern Ukraine sent drawings to a Nelson museum to show gratitude for the country's support.
Children from an intermediate school in eastern Ukraine sent drawings to a Nelson museum to show gratitude for the country's support.
The Ukrainian community in Aotearoa wants New Zealanders not to forget about the ongoing war in their homeland as the conflict nears its third year.
Katia Samokisha told the Herald many Ukrainians feel more homesick than normal at this time of year with the anniversary of the Russian invasion on February 24.
“Because of what is happening, you feel worried about your relatives as they can’t come over here,” she said.
“I never had such a desire to go back. I want to see my brother, as he can’t leave the country and probably will go and defend it at some point.
Students from a Kharkhiv intermediate school drew artwork for New Zealanders who supported Ukraine.
“I can’t leave New Zealand because it’s expensive to fly over to Ukraine, and I can’t travel with my new son or leave him for a long time here as he is too young.”
United States officials last August estimated the number of Ukrainian and Russian troop deaths and injuries was approaching 500,000, the New York Times reported.
Edward Patkevych said the Ukrainian community in New Zealand always receives support. However, he is worried people will start to forget about the war.
“Recently, it has been more silent because there is another difficult situation in the world in Gaza - it is not like before.”
The assistance would be the first round of aid since last May, breaking a long drought in support for Ukraine’s self-defence.
The Herald also understands the Government is looking at sending so-called “lethal aid” to Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said: “Ukraine’s needs remain critical and New Zealand is committed to providing ongoing support". Photo / Mark Mitchell
Samokisha said there was a strong feeling among Ukrainians that the war would not end this year.
“We feel this conflict will last, so we have to be strong, not give up and live our lives, and not stop ourselves from being happy,” she said.
“For the first two years, we felt we had no right to be happy or to do anything nice because of what is happening over in Ukraine.
“Russia cannot take our lives, we are safe here, so we have to get together, bring cultural events like this, support each other and give Ukrainians a sense of home.”
Dasha Volga echoed that statement.
”We have to share our culture and our light, the very best of Ukraine,” she said.
”We shouldn’t spread the message of hatred and frustration. Ukraine should be showing that we have so much to offer the world - food, song, dance and culture. That the world wants us alive and on the map.”
The community is still waiting for a decision on the residence pathway for the hundreds of Ukrainians who fled to New Zealand after the war broke out. The previous Labour government created a Special Ukraine Visa in March 2022, and in August last year, residency pathways were announced for those on a visa.
Immigration New Zealand visa director Jock Gilray said as of January 30, 2024, there had been 1851 applications for a Special Ukraine Visa since the category opened.
“Of those received, 1683 have been approved and 55 applications are currently under assessment. The remaining applications have either been declined or withdrawn.”
