Ukrainian people have ‘found a second home’ in Donegal: Ambassador

The Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko, has paid tribute to Donegal for hosting around 6,000 people who have fled the war.

Since the escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2022, an estimated 91,000 people from Ukraine are receiving temporary protection in Ireland.

They include the 6,000 who have made Donegal their home. Ms Gerasko addressed the first day of the 2023 MacGill Summer School at the Highlands Hotel in Glenties on Wednesday.

Several Ukrainian people living in Glenties - some of whom are residents in the Highlands - were among the audience.

'So many opportunities here': Ukrainian children on experience of new life in Donegal

Some Ukrainian children who have been living in Donegal since fleeing the war in their home country spoke at the opening day of the MacGill Summer School in Glenties

“We are really grateful to Ireland and Irish people for hosting our Ukrainians,” Ms Gerasko said.

“Ukraine is at the epicentre of a war of destruction. Last year, I remember we thought that this war would end very soon. Unfortunately, almost in one year and a half we am still here.”

Ms Gerasko told the audience how 5.1 million people have been internally displaced while six million have left Ukraine since the start of a ‘full-scale invasion’.

“Not only have people received temporary protection, they have had a second home,” she said. “Some are here, too.

“Don’t forget, Russia invaded Ukraine not last year, but in 2014. We are defending our country for almost nine years.”

MacGill Summer School Director Joe Mulholland students from the University of Notre Dame at the opening of the MacGill Summer School. (North West Newspix)

The Ukrainian diplomat recently spent three weeks back in her home country. She recalled the devastating scenes that greeted her.

She said: “No-one knows whether they are to wake up in a bed in the morning or laying under the rubble of their house. People in Ukraine live under the constant threat of death in all territories. There is no safe place.

“Today, Russia is systematically and cynically violating international law, rights and freedoms. Russia continues to systematically shell civilians cities, kindergartens, schools and hospitals and destroy critical infrastructure.”

“Russia reduced cities to ash. Many of those cities don’t exist any more.

This war is not about Ukraine only. This war goes far beyond Ukraine. This war goes far beyond the territory of Ukraine. The consequences directly affect the whole of Europe and wider.”

Ms Gerasko repeated her thanks to the people of Glenties and Donegal for ‘hosting so many of our Ukrainian’.

She said: “They have found a second home here. I hope they have become part of local communities.”