“It’s given 72 people the chance to escape a very dangerous place – it’s helped 72 people survive”

The largest nuclear power plant in Europe sits less then ten miles from the eastern Ukrainian city of Marhanets.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, which is in Ukraine, has been occupied by Russia since early March and is in one of the four regions of Ukraine annexed by Russia in September.

Seven times larger than Chernobyl, the plant is one of the ten largest nuclear power plants in the world.

There have been serious concerns over the safety of the plant since Russia’s invasion, which has seen millions forced to flee the country.

Marhanets is the home town of Yulia Bond, a Ukrainian refugee living in Caerphilly.

Yulia is running English classes for other Ukrainian refugees at Caerphilly Miners’ Centre.

At the centre’s summer fair back in July, £488.70 was raised, which went towards 72 train tickets for women and children to escape Marhanets – which has been targeted by Russian bombing.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Yulia said: “It’s given 72 people the chance to escape a very dangerous place. It’s helped 72 people survive.”

She continued: “It’s really amazing that people are so passionate about helping Ukrainians. It means more than I can express.

“The support means a lot for people in Ukraine and for Ukrainians here too.”

Amie Lock, who helped organise the summer fair, explained that the money raised was originally meant to go to a children’s mental health charity in Ukraine – but instead went to help people escape the worsening situation in Marhanets.

She said: “It was lovely to see everyone in the community come together to raise awareness of what’s happening.

“As well as raising awareness, we’ve been able to use the Miners’ as a hub for the community to meet families affected by by the awful situation and welcome those families into the community.”

The Miners’ Centre will be hosting a fundraising concert on Saturday, November 19 to raise more money to help Ukraine.

Caerphilly Male Voice Choir will be performing at the event, with the choir’s musical director Nerys Porch also performing.

The event will get underway at 5pm and run until 8pm. There will also be a buffet and a raffle, with food donated by Asda Caerphilly and prizes donated by local business, organisations and individuals.

Tickets cost £5 and include a welcome drink and a raffle ticket, but must be bought in advance. Email events@caerphillyminerscentre.org.uk for details.

“People are being killed each day”

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Yulia explained how her home town has been facing daily attacks from the Russians.

“Over the last four months, there have been daily shellings in Marhanets and other towns around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station.

“It’s been a very difficult time for people in the area. Many people were able to leave, but others didn’t have the finances to leave or have had to stay behind with children or disabled relatives.

“People are being killed and injured there each day. It doesn’t seem like it will get better.

“The problem is that the power plant is hard for Ukrainian forces to retake because of the possible damage it could cause. The cities around it are also hard to defend because of the power plant. It’s a really bad situation.”

Yulia continued: “While the nearest town received official war zone status, people were given money to evacuate. It’s not the same in Marhanets, which is unfair.

“At the fundraising event, we said the money would go to Ukraine. But, a few weeks later, the situation there got worse. We wanted to help people, so the money went towards train tickets.

“The money saved lives. Myself and the other Ukrainians involved in the fundraising event are very grateful. Many people have sent us messages, in Ukrainian, saying how grateful they are for the help.”

Having arrived in Caerphilly in early April, Yulia said she, along with other Ukrainians in the area, have felt supported by the local community.

Every Saturday, around 15 Ukrainians attend Yulia’s English classes at Caerphilly Miners’ Centre. As well as teaching refugees the language, the sessions are also about helping the Ukrainians settle in, make friends and receive and share advice, as well as connect with people from Caerphilly.

They also get out and do a range of activities together, including sheep walking at Duffryn Isaf Farm in Llanbradach.

Yulia said: “A lot of Ukrainians feel isolated. Back in Ukraine, people lost everything they had. It’s important for Ukrainians to meet people, break the ice and make conversation.”

Anyone is welcome to attend the sessions, which are held at the centre between 10am and 12pm.