The Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in the largest displacement of people within Europe since World War 2. 5.3 million Ukrainian refugees are in countries across Europe. Of these, 4.3 million are in EU countries.
On July 26 The Orkney News published an account from a young Ukrainian forced to flee their homeland.
Orkney Islands Council supports Ukrainian refugees who have found a place to live in our islands.
What also is needed is for people to come forward to sponsor a Ukrainian refugee and to become a host. This is done through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The scheme is offering a monthly payment of £350 in exchange for accommodation (spare room / self-contained accommodation) for a minimum of six months.
Click on the links below to find out more and how you can help.
Find out about the initial details of the scheme and how to apply: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-visa-under-the-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme(opens in new tab)
Detailed information on the scheme: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/homes-for-ukraine-guidance-for-guests(opens in new tab)
For information on how to become a sponsor, including things to consider and thank you payments, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/homes-for-ukraine-sponsor-guides
OIC Refugee Resettlement Schemes – Homes for Ukraine
25 United Nation agencies and dozens of partners are currently supporting millions of people across Ukraine affected by the war. In 2025 this included:
- 7 million people with strengthened electricity and heating services
- more than 700,000 children and young people accessed learning and skills development opportunities
- nearly half a million internally displaced people received targeted support
- 5 million people received emergency and life-saving support from humanitarian partners.
The UN ‘Leave no one behind’ also helped 200,000 people with legal assistance, and 350 Resilience Centres and Veteran Hubs expanded access to community-based psychosocial and social support.
The UN’s efforts in Ukraine were made possible by $914.4 million in funding from donor partners in 2025, including KfW, Japan, Norway, Sweden, the European Union, and others. The United Nations in Ukraine.
On Monday UN officials warned the Security Council that intensified hostilities in Ukraine and systematic attacks on Black Sea ports are exacting a heavy civilian toll, disrupting maritime trade and threatening global food security. Ukraine requested the meeting following a fresh wave of heavy Russian missile and drone strikes on cities across the country.
Council members called for a ceasefire and immediate protection for civilians, pushing parties to resume negotiations towards a just and durable settlement. “This must never become normal”, the Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator stressed.
It is difficult to get verified numbers of those killed/ injured in the Ukraine/Russian war : Ukraine’s losses in the war, soldiers.
Number of civilian casualties in Ukraine during Russia’s invasion verified by OHCHR from February 24, 2022 to June 30, 2026 : Killed, 16,431; Injured, 48,613. (Statista)
It is estimated that 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since it launched its fullscale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Fiona Grahame
Leave a Reply