‘They can destroy our homes, our schools, our hospitals and our churches but they cannot destroy our desire for freedom’. Those are the words of Ivan Danyliuk, a resident of the besieged city of Kyiv, who has thanked the community of Bury for their support and compassion following the Russian invasion last month.
His message was read out in a hushed council chamber by the leader of Bury Council, Coun Eamonn O’Brien, who is a friend of Mr Danyliuk. The message was read as plans to welcome Ukrainian refugees to Bury are being made after an ‘incredible response’ from the borough’s residents to the crisis.
The meeting of the full council heard action had begun, including attempting to secure housing for those fleeing the war. The council unanimously backed an emergency motion expressing solidarity with Ukraine and its people.
