Exeter’s Ukrainian community has joined civic representatives and supporters to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
The event honoured those who have defended Ukraine and recognised people helping Ukrainians build new lives in Devon.
A public ceremony took place at Exeter Civic Centre in Paris Street on Monday, when members of the Ukrainian community gathered with friends and supporters beneath the Ukrainian flag.
Devon Ukrainian Association organised the event as part of activities marking Ukrainian Independence Day. Exeter City Council supported the programme with an £850 grant.
The ceremony included the raising of the Ukrainian flag and a minute’s silence. Those gathered remembered people killed defending Ukraine and all victims of Russia’s war against the country.
The community then joined together to sing the Ukrainian national anthem. A traditional Ukrainian rushnyk was also displayed. The embroidered ceremonial cloth represents Ukrainian heritage, identity and connection.
Olya Petrakova Brown, from Devon Ukrainian Association, spoke about the significance of the anniversary and reflected on generations who fought for Ukraine’s right to determine its future.
She said: “On 24 August 1991, Ukraine did not suddenly become a nation.The Act of Independence continued a much longer history of Ukrainian statehood.”
Ukraine had previously proclaimed independence in 1918. Its people continued their struggle through occupation, repression and resistance.
More than 90 per cent supported independence when Ukrainians voted in a referendum on 1 December 1991.
Olya said: “Ukraine’s independence was not given to us by somebody else. It was the democratic choice of the Ukrainian people.
“Today is a celebration, but it cannot be only a celebration. It is a day to remember those who fought for Ukrainian freedom before us.”
The ceremony also recognised the friendship shown across Exeter and Devon since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Olya thanked councils, organisations, volunteers, hosts and neighbours for standing with Ukrainians. She said their support helped Ukrainians preserve their language, culture, dignity and sense of home.
A reception and awards ceremony at Exeter Innovation Hub recognised people supporting the Ukrainian community.
Honorary Friend of the Ukrainian Community awards were presented to Exeter City Council Leader Cllr Phil Bialyk, Cllr Kevin Mitchell and Dr Bryan Brown.
Cllr Bialyk was recognised for civic leadership and his support for Ukraine, including the Exeter Stands with Ukraine vigil held on 27 February 2022 and initiating the suspension of Exeter’s civic relationship with the Russian city of Yaroslavl.
Cllr Bialyk said: “I am so proud to accept this award on behalf of Exeter City Council and everyone in the city. Exeter has stood by Ukraine from day one and continues to do so. We have welcomed Ukrainians to our city, and we continue to offer them our full support, as we do with all our communities.”
Cllr Mitchell received an award for his consistent public and civic support for Exeter’s Ukrainian community, including advocacy for Devon Ukrainian Association and Berehynia Ukrainian School.
Dr Brown was recognised for extensive work supporting Ukrainians in Devon. His contribution includes fundraising, governance, volunteering and strengthening links with the University of Exeter.
Eight further supporters received Devon Ukrainian Association Awards of Appreciation.
They were Cllr Paul Knott, Nataliya Knott, Diana Moore, James Banyard, Stephen Clayton, Emily Davies, Harry Neill and Lindsey Anderson.
Their awards recognised contributions ranging from practical volunteering and hospitality to civic engagement and support for Ukrainian culture.
Further events will celebrate Ukrainian culture and commemorate the anniversary later this week.
A run honouring the defenders of Ukraine will begin at 9am on Saturday 29 August. It starts from the Haven Banks side of Cricklepit Bridge, with distances between 2km and 5km.
A traditional Ukrainian Yarmarok, or fair, will follow on Exeter Quay from 11am until 5pm. The fair will feature Ukrainian food, stalls, music, dancing, performances and family activities, and provides people across Exeter another opportunity to experience Ukrainian culture and show their support.
Closing the ceremony, Olya said: “Today, here in Exeter, we have also been reminded that Ukraine does not stand alone. Your friendship matters. Your solidarity matters.”
She added: “We remember those who made our freedom possible. We honour those who defend it today. We look forward to the day when Ukrainians can celebrate Independence Day in a peaceful, free and secure Ukraine.”
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