Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK has made a plea for continued “generosity” and “patience” from those providing homes to refugees in Britain.
Vadym Prystaiko said Ukraine needs “much more” help from the UK as the country fights back against the invasion of Moscow, with the partial mobilization of Russian reservists amount to “something formidable”.
Addressing a fringe event organized by Labor Friends of Ukraine in Liverpoolthe ambassador said people who have found refuge in the UK through the government’s sponsorship program still need support.
“We hoped to reach a six-month period through the sponsorship deal between most British citizens and Ukrainians who came here,” he said.
“I just hope that the generosity, tolerance, kindness and patience of these people will allow us to connect with Ukrainians who still need some support here.”
He added: “Still, we need support here to help these people through the most difficult times of the war.”
In March, the government launched the Homes for Ukraine program so that people can sponsor refugees fleeing the war-torn country by offering a spare room or house for at least six months.
Ministers have since faced calls to consider increasing monthly thank-you payments for landlords extending their offers beyond the initial period to which they have committed.
Prystaiko said Russia should pay to rebuild Ukraine.
“I know there are so many generous people in countries around the world who told us, ‘Don’t worry guys, we’ll help you rebuild’. I believe the Russians should pay for this, not you, not your taxpayer’s money,” he said.
But he said Ukraine needs “much more” help from the UK.
“This help is needed again and again,” he added.
The ambassador said the partial mobilization of Russian reservists appears to be “something formidable”.
“We are adults here and I have to be honest with you,” he said.
“We understand, of course, that three, four, five (hundred) thousand people that Russia has promised to mobilize… this makes a difference on the battlefield.
“Yes, Russians will struggle to rearm them, feed them, equip them, and most of these people are not fit for… service. But (the) sheer mass of these people is something formidable.”
Also speaking at the event, Shadow Foreign Minister David Lammy said the ambassador “must never, ever forget” that Labor “will always stand behind the Ukrainian people”.
This sentiment was echoed by fellow panelists John Healeythe shadow defense secretary, who said: “There will be a change of government in this country, but let Putin be clear: there will be a change in Labour, but there will be no change in British support and solidarity in Ukraine and in our national determination to face the Russian aggression.”
Prystaiko said Putin’s nuclear threats are “just trying to raise the negotiating hand”.
Healey also described them as “an escalation of rhetoric”.
“It’s the kind of step out of the Putin script we’ve seen before,” he said.
“And it is intended to undermine our Western will to stand with Ukraine.
“What we need to make most clear is that this will make no difference to the resolve of the West. We stand together and we stand with Ukraine.”
On a lighter note, Mr Prystaiko said Ukraine is happy to share its culture with the UK and get something in return.
But he made it clear that there is nothing to learn from British cuisine, which brought a big laugh from the crowd.