By Harry Mottram: On the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine the public turned out to support a concert in Bath Abbey to raise cash for the war effort. Hosted by former BBC TV and radio presenter Ali Vowles and attended by the Deputy Ambassador for Ukraine the event was organised by The Friends of Oleksandriya and driving force Zhenya Shkil who has worked tirelessly to increase awareness of her home city in eastern Ukraine.
Also in attendance were Eduard Fesko, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Ukraine, leader of Bath and North East Somerset Councillor Kevin Guy and Wera Hobhouse MP at the ‘Together we Stand’ concert (pictured). The programme showcases commissioned music by acclaimed composer Mariia Yaremak, brought to life by the Voices for Life choir and The Argyle String Orchestra (with Mariia Yaremak on piano), alongside a performance by vocalist Nicole Medin and live visual art by Alexandra Dikaia.
European leaders headed to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv to lend support to embattled President Zelensky whose country has seen thousands of its citizens killed, murdered, raped and wounded by Russia’s armed forces. Despite the invasion Ukraine has hit back and fought the invaders to a near standstill revealing Putin’s failed so-called ‘special military operation’ that was supposed to conquer the country in less than two weeks. At the same time France’s president Macron used his Gallic charm on USA’s president Trump whose new administration has flipped to supporting Russia in the propaganda war. The Prime Minister Kier Starmer is set to head to America next in a concerted effort to make the Americans aware of the danger of giving in to Russia.
Bath’s MP Wera Hobhouse said: “Three years ago, Russia began its full-scale and illegal war against Ukraine. Since this brutal invasion, Bath has stood firmly united with Ukraine, forming a Friendship Agreement with the City of Oleksandriya to provide medical support and strengthen cultural and community ties. To mark the anniversary on 24th February, Wera attended Bath’s ‘Together we Stand’ concert and celebrated the power of Ukrainian music. The concert, created by composer Mariia Yaremak, featured local musicians as well as Ukrainian singer Nicole Medin. Through music, art, and literature, the concert offered a poignant reflection on the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the importance of continued solidarity from the UK. All profits from the event will be used to provide Oleksandriya with much-needed aid.”
Amid Donald Trump’s negotiations with Vladimir Putin and his claims that President Zelenskyy is a “dictator”, the MP has reiterated Bath’s unrelenting support for the Ukrainian people and urged the UK to work with European allies to defend their freedom.
She said: “I’m extremely proud of the unwavering support Bath has shown for Ukraine in the three years since Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion. It was touching to see our community come together once again at the ‘Together we Stand’ concert in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends who have heroically fought against Putin’s war machine.
“But now, more than ever, we must stand firmly united against these brutal assaults on democracy and freedom. As Trump cosies up to Putin, we urgently need to focus on strengthening ties with our European neighbours.”
About The Friends of Oleksandriya
The Friends of Oleksandriya is a charitable association that promotes peace and friendship between communities. It believes that by working together, a difference can be made to people’s lives and a better world can be created. The team is made up of volunteers who are passionate about helping others and creating impact in the world.
Since its establishment, The Friends of Oleksandriya Charitable Association, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bath, managed to raise more than £100,000 to buy 13 7.5kW generators, a 70kW generator for the Children’s Hospital in Oleksandriya, and a 100kW generator for the Central Hospital of Oleksandriya. This provided crucial humanitarian aid when hundreds of Russian missiles caused severe damage to the infrastructure of Ukraine and the people of Oleksandriya were left without light and warmth. The Friends of Oleksandriya believe that everyone deserves access to basic human needs such as food, shelter, education, and medical care. In December 2024, Oleksandriya received a 200kVA generator from the charity for one of their hospitals, as well as over one thousand Christmas presents for children of all ages.
Visit https://www.friendsofo.co.uk/ for more information.