A recent trip to a war-torn country shed light on the resilience and unity of its people. Darren Millar MS, the leader of the Welsh Conservative group, shared his reflections after visiting Ukraine with a cross-party delegation of Senedd members. The journey was a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the importance of international support. The delegation’s itinerary included meetings with government officials, displaced families, and soldiers, providing a glimpse into the daily challenges faced by Ukrainians.
The journey began at Cardiff Airport, with the group travelling to Kyiv via Warsaw. The stark contrast between the calm of Warsaw and the visible scars of war in Kyiv set the tone for the visit. Meetings with various stakeholders, including the Kyiv Council and the Ministry of Culture, highlighted the historical and contemporary challenges faced by the Ukrainian people. Visits to national remembrance sites, such as Babyn Yar, underscored the deep-rooted impact of conflict on the nation.
Throughout the visit, the delegation experienced frequent missile alerts, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Ukrainians. Despite the daily dangers, the Ukrainian people exhibited remarkable strength and resilience. Meetings with local leaders in towns like Korystyshiv revealed the human cost of the conflict, with many communities mourning the loss of loved ones and supporting refugees fleeing the eastern front.
The delegation’s interactions with wounded soldiers further underscored the personal toll of the conflict, with individuals sharing their stories of loss and survival. Inspired by the resilience of the Ukrainian people, Darren Millar is now working to establish a twinning arrangement between Korystyshiv and Colwyn Bay in his constituency, fostering lasting bonds of solidarity.
One poignant moment during the visit was a meeting with refugees from Russian-occupied Luhansk, where harrowing accounts of displacement and suffering were shared. The delegation’s efforts to provide support, such as arranging for aid through the Welsh Ambulance Service, demonstrated a commitment to tangible solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The delegation also explored opportunities for cultural exchange and partnership to further support Ukraine’s recovery and resilience.
As the delegation prepared to leave Kyiv, a visit to St Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery offered a moment of quiet reflection and solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Darren Millar reflected on the transformation he witnessed in Kyiv since his last visit in 2022, noting the city’s resilience and determination to rebuild despite the challenges. He emphasised the importance of continued support from Wales and the UK to stand with Ukraine in its quest for freedom and democracy.
The visit to Ukraine not only offered a firsthand glimpse into the impact of conflict on the country but also reinforced the shared values of resilience, unity, and solidarity in the face of adversity. As the world continues to grapple with conflicts and crises, the lessons learned from this trip serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of international cooperation and support in times of need.