Welsh Government minister visits Ukrainians in Caerphilly and reiterates support

The Welsh Government minister responsible for supporting refugees and asylum seekers has been quizzed by Ukrainian refugees living in Caerphilly.

Social Justice minister Jane Hutt visited Caerphilly Library on September 9 to meet Ukrainians who have settled here since Russia began its war against their homeland.

Around 25 people attended the session, most of whom were Ukrainians who have settled in Caerphilly.

Answering questions put forward to her, Ms Hutt explained the challenges faced by Welsh Government to support the 7,000 Ukrainians who have come to Wales since the outbreak of war.

However, Ms Hutt also praised the impact Ukrainians have had in Wales and said: “You have made a great contribution since you have come to Wales, in work, in culture, in school and in groups like this – you are now a part of Wales.”

She continued: “I think people can learn about your courage and resilience and that is very important, but also we learn a lot about your culture, people and families who come to be with us.”

Ms Hutt also told the Ukrainians it was “very important” for the Welsh Government to be able to welcome refugees. However, she added: “We cannot say that everything has been good, there have been problems – you have experienced problems.

“Not everyone is kind, so we have to recognise we are not perfect and sadly there is hostility through social media and we are trying to overcome that.”

The meeting was arranged by Yulia Bond, who moved to Caerphilly from the eastern Ukrainian town of Marhanets in April 2022.

Each week, the Ukrainians in Caerphilly meet for a catch-up, to get to know each other and to share advice with each other, with Yulia playing a key role in organising this.

They also take part in a variety activities and educational sessions, with the event on September 9 focusing on politics.

Yulia presented Ms Hutt with a Ukrainian trench candle – which Yulia said symbolises “independence, the desire for freedom, and the fire of Ukrainian brave hearts”.

The candle was made by Yulia’s friend Ihor, from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

Speaking after the event, Yulia told Caerphilly Observer: “We invited Jane Hutt to speak about her role and her support for Ukraine.

“It’s important for us to know her position.”

Yulia continued: “We meet every week, but this was a special meeting.”

The meeting was also attended by Councillor Shayne Cook, who is the council’s cabinet member for housing.

Cllr Cook, who also answered questions on the day, said: “It was a pleasure to speak alongside Jane Hutt MS on topics raised by those who fled the Ukraine war.

“Jane was able to discuss Welsh Government policies and Wales’s proud status as a Nation of Sanctuary, while I explained the council’s position on issues such as housing.

“It was educational for all those who attended, and I thank the minister for finding time in her busy schedule.”

Yulia said it was “really informative” listening to Cllr Cook discuss housing, an issue she said is really important for her compatriots in Caerphilly.