‘Today Ukraine, Tomorrow Scotland’ – Ukrainians in Glasgow
The Ukrainian community Glasgow, watching unimaginable scenes unfold in their home country have been out demonstrating and awareness raising in George Square. Find out what support they want and scroll down for practical ways you can help.
Today Ukraine, Tomorrow Scotland - protestors in George Square
Words, photos and videos by Rhiannon J Davies
The world watched aghast as Russia began its full scale invasion occupation of Ukraine on 24 February. In scenes that have not been seen on continental Europe for decades tanks rolled into the country as Putin’s army began hybrid attack on land and air. Explosions have been felt throughout the country, fighting is breaking out, civilians are taking up arms and the inevitable casualties have already begun to mount up.
The Ukrainian community in Glasgow watch with horror from afar while maintaining regular contact with their family and friends, many of whom are sheltering in subway stations or attempting to flee the war into neighbouring countries.
In an attempt to raise awareness, have their voices heard and come together for mutual support. They first gathered in George Square on the 24 February and plan on being there every day. It’s biting cold in Glasgow at the moment, so they’re taking it in shifts to maintain a presence. Locals have been joining them to show solidarity or pass around hot drinks and food. The national flag of Ukraine now flies outside the city chambers.
Oksana Peterson from Mykolaiv, in the south of Ukraine was worried about her mother. The fighting has reached her home town, but she didn’t want to worry her by phoning too often. She said the time of talking is over and it’s time for the UK and Europe to show real support:
“We don’t need you to go and fight for us. We’d like our sky to be closed so we can go and fight properly. We’d like your support giving us weapons and proper financial support… We would like to fight and defend our motherland because I don’t think Ukraine is ever going to subjugate to Russia. We are going to fight until the last soldier. And please to not keep hope that this will stop with Ukraine. I’m afraid Ukraine is only the beginning.”
Other protestors were unwilling to speak on camera due to having family living in occupied territory whose lives they were felt were at risk.
Kostav has a daughter who he is says is strong, but is now trapped in a town where fighting has broken out. She is unable to flee even if she wanted to. He spoke about thousands of cars already at the Polish border, and predicted the war would see 5 million refugees seeking sanctuary elsewhere. He also echoed calls for closing Ukrainian airspace, stating that Ukrainian people will do the rest:
“Ukrainians are heroes. They resist a lot. Russia are already paying a huge costs. They are not motivated. They’re young men who don’t understand what they’re doing. And we will protect our land.”
“Now we have a nuclear station occupied by Russians. Do you want another nuclear disaster in Europe? Do something, help us. We are protecting Europe - for now - from this crazy, crazy man.”
On Friday 25 February, Bailie Philip Braat, the Lord Provost of Glasgow joined protestors to announce that the national flag of Ukraine would be flown outside the City Chambers. He stated:
“The reason why it’s important we fly the flat… is that it’s a clear statement that Glasgow stands against this atrocious attack on the sovereignty of your nation and it’s to show our support for all Ukrainians not only in the UK itself but also across the world. Glasgow stands in solidarity with each and every one of you.”
There is another planned demo in George Square from 11am - 5pm on Saturday 26 February.
Are you in Ukrainian in Glasgow? Do you want to have your voice heard? Get in touch with hello@greatergovanhill.com to contribute.
How you can help
Locally, follow the Community of Ukrainians in Glasgow for updates and demonstration details.
They are currently collecting donations of items for those at border checkpoints, which can be dropped off Mon-Fri 8-4 at Kwik Call Plumbing & Heating, 91 Deanston Dr, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3AL. Items then are looking for as of 2 March includes: toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, noodle soup, sugar in cubes, any long shelf food, NAPPIES, powerbanks, sleeping bags, head torches, first aid kits, wet wipes, baby wipes, single use plates/cups, painkillers, women sanitary items, baby food, newborn formula, plasters, bandages, blankets, warm clothes, kids shoes, coffee, tea, sugar shampoo, soap, underwear
If you have a Ukrainian neighbour or friend in Govanhill or nearby who needs any kind of support, please let them know they can get in touch with us at Thriving Places Govanhill, especially if they have limited English skills. We can communicate in Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, and English. Mantoniak@govanhill.org
For other ways to help, the Ukrainian Institute in London recommends these methods:
Donations
With Ukraine, is a special fund to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine’s civilian population established by the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK
‘Come Back Alive’, a Kyiv-based charity, provides Ukraine’s Armed Forces with equipment, software, personal body protection, training, etc.
The Ukraine Crisis Media Center has published a list of recommendations of charities in Ukraine to support.
British-Ukrainian Aid supports victims of the ongoing war, orphaned children, internally displaced persons, the wounded and others in need.
The Kyiv Independent needs support to continue reporting on the ground from Ukraine.
In the US, Razom for Ukraine and Nova Ukraine are raising money for Emergency Response.
Trusted colleagues of ours are also advising donating to the National Bank of Ukraine, to transfer direct funding to the Ukrainian armed forces. Bank details pasted below.
Demonstrations of support
Send an email to your MP urging them to support Ukraine and push for more sanctions. You can find your MPs contact details here and we have drafted a template email here (available in English, French, Spanish and German). This will take you less than 10 minutes to do, and will make your voice heard by your MP! (NB MPs care more about numbers of emails they receive rather than how fine-tuned your language is so don’t delay sending!)
Join your local demonstrations (follow Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Euromaidan London for London). Consider printing leaflets and posters.
If your town isn’t holding a demonstration, consider organising one. Chances are, there will be many others who will want to join you.
Consider signing one of these petitions. Get in touch if you learn of other relevant petitions.
UkraineNow is a global effort to coordinate help: evacuations, medical & food supplies, information, and cash on the ground.
Information
We recommend English-language outlets The Kyiv Independent and The New Voice of Ukraine.
Follow Ukraine-based journalists: Olga Tokariuk, Christopher Miller, Nika Melkozerova, Illia Ponomarenko (and many others!).
You can also donate to the Ukrainian Institute London, we are an independent charity and we do need donations to keep going — but we would prefer right now for your donations to go towards humanitarian aid or supporting the Ukrainian army.
Details to make a transfer directly to Ukrainian national bank
The National Bank of Ukraine has opened a special account to raise funds for the Ukrainian Army. Anyone from any country can donate.
The account is multi-currency. It is opened for transfers of funds from international partners and donors, any person as well as from Ukrainian business and citizens. Details listed below are also on the bank’s official website.
For donations in GBP:
SWIFT Code NBU: NBUA UA UX
Bank of England, London
SWIFT Code: BKENGB2L
Account: 40000982
Sort Code: 60-92-42
Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH, UK
IBAN: GB52CHAS60924280033041
Beneficiary Bank Name: JP MORGAN CHASE BANK NA, London
Beneficiary Bank BIC: CHASGB2L
Beneficiary Bank Address: 125 London Wall, London EC2Y 5AJ, UK
Purpose of Payment: for crediting account 47330992708