Ukrainian Independence Day – Newcastle’s tribute

The women sang the Ukrainian national anthem on Ceremonial Way as Newcastle City Council raised the Ukrainian flag above the Civic Centre as a mark of respect for the war-ravaged country.

All the singers are living in the North-East and have made the region their home after fleeing Ukraine following the Russia invasion six months ago on February 24.

After the flag raising ceremony, the women and two teenage girls, who are backing Newcastle’s bid to host Eurovision, were invited into the Lord Mayor’s Silver Gallery where the choir sang the ancient Ukrainian song Red Viburnum Berries and then had tea with the Lord Mayor. The teenage girls also sang a song.

It is 31 years since Ukraine first declared Independence from the Soviet Union which began when the Supreme Soviet of Ukraine (Ukrainian parliament) proclaimed that Ukraine would no longer follow the laws of the USSR.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Karen Robinson, said: “This year Independence Day is particularly poignant for all Ukrainians who are once again fighting for their country’s independence.

“Our thoughts are with all those back in Ukraine who are risking their lives every day to repel the Russian invasion. We pray that peace will return to that country as soon as possible.

“Newcastle is a City of Sanctuary with a proud history of welcoming people fleeing persecution, torture, and religious intolerance.

“Without hesitation, the city has once again opened its arms with residents welcoming many Ukrainians into their homes.

“I speak on behalf of the whole of the city when I say we stand with the people of Ukraine in these dark times and send them our love as we pray for a return to peace.”

Ukrainian, Olena Proskurina, who is living with a sponsor family in Newcastle, said: “When I left Ukraine I was tired and totally depressed without family, friends, work and had no idea how to continue to live.

“I am so thankful to the British people, to the British government for their great support and sincere desire to help – and also my amazing sponsors.

“Today on our Independence Day, the Ukrainian flag is a world symbol of freedom. I am proud to be Ukrainian. We can be free - we have shown this to the whole world.

 “Now I ask everybody to stay with Ukraine. I believe in our strong, brave and unbreakable nation. Our people must be saved and be allowed to live with families again in their homes on their native land.”

Ukraine made a Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union on August 24 1991, at a time when the Soviet empire was beginning to collapse.

A referendum was held later that year in which 92% voted in favour of independence.

In 1992 August 24 became Ukraine’s Independence Day and the famous yellow and blue flag was adopted – the blue representing the sky and the yellow representing fields of wheat.

Ukraine is a democracy with a president and a multi-party system.