On the weekend of Orthodox Easter, the Ukrainian community in Cardiff brought colour, culture, and a warm sense of togetherness to the city centre with a vibrant Ukrainian Easter Fair at Eglwys Dewi Sant on St Andrews Crescent—right across from the Ukrainian hub.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, over 7,000 Ukrainians have found refuge in Wales. The research “Another Battle for Survival” conducted by Gareth Lynn Montes and published by the Welsh Refugee Council in March 2025, provides the first in-depth analysis of the housing journey of Ukrainian refugees in the region.
A heartwarming charity performance took place today at the Port Talbot bridge, where the local community gathered to enjoy two hours of joyful music and singing delivered by the talented music group “Ghostbuskers.” The event aimed to raise funds for Ukraine through Sunflowers Wales and celebrate the spirit of unity.
A cross-party delegation from the Welsh Parliament (Senedd) has recently returned from a significant diplomatic visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, demonstrating Wales’ unified support for the Ukrainian people amid their ongoing struggle.
The Home Office has recently announced a significant update to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, offering greater flexibility for applicants. Previously, individuals were required to submit their applications no more than 28 days before the expiration of their current permission. Submitting too early could result in the application being deemed invalid. However, as of April 9, 2025, the Home Office has clarified that, under certain circumstances, early applications may now be accepted.
The long-awaited relaunch of the Ukrainian Book Club in Caerphilly has successfully taken place. The event featured special guests Olena and Nastya, ambassadors from the Ukrainian Library in Cardiff.
A group of dedicated firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is preparing for an important humanitarian mission to Ukraine. The team, based at the service’s headquarters in Llantrisant, will be donating five fire engines to support Ukraine’s emergency services in their ongoing crisis.
For Ukrainians living in Wales under the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme, or Ukraine Extension Scheme, it’s important to understand the changes in the social benefits system that will take place in 2025.
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the Ukrainian community in Caerphilly came together with local residents to create a special “Ukrainian Gratitude Garden” at Morgan Jones Park. The event combined memorial tree planting, cultural activities, and community building, symbolizing the strong bond between Ukrainian refugees and their Welsh hosts.
On March 24, 2025, an online forum was held, organized by the Wales Refugee and Asylum Seeker Advocacy Forum, dedicated to the asylum procedure and the Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE) scheme. The main speaker was Nicholas Wysoczanskyj, Ukraine Manager at the Welsh Refugee Council, who answered numerous participant questions and provided important information for Ukrainians in the United Kingdom.
