Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
Today marks four years since President Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is a moment to reaffirm Wales’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine, to honour their resilience in the face of brutal aggression, and to recognise the extraordinary compassion shown by communities across Wales.
Wales has welcomed around 8,000 people displaced by the war through the UK Government’s Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. This includes almost 3,400 who reached safety via the Welsh Government’s Super Sponsor route. I want to express my sincere thanks to the thousands of hosts, volunteers and local communities whose generosity has made safety, stability and belonging possible. Their commitment reflects the very best of Wales and gives real meaning to our vision of Wales as a Nation of Sanctuary.
Ukrainians are making valued contributions across Wales, including in our economy, public services, schools and communities. Ukrainian children and young people are settling well into school life, developing their confidence in English and Welsh while sharing their own languages, culture and traditions. Ukrainians are bringing expertise into our workforce, volunteering locally, and establishing successful businesses that strengthen local economies. Their resilience, hope and determination is evident and Wales is stronger as a result of many who now call our country home.
Welsh businesses have played an important role, using their expertise and innovation to contribute to Ukraine’s resilience and wider humanitarian efforts. From specialist manufacturing to advanced technologies developed here in Wales, companies across our nation continue to provide capability and supply‑chain support that strengthens Ukraine’s ability to withstand the ongoing aggression it faces.
We have worked in partnership with local authorities, the third sector, the NHS, community organisations and countless volunteers to ensure people arriving from Ukraine are safe, supported and able to rebuild their lives with dignity. This collective effort demonstrates our enduring commitment to offering a warm Welsh welcome to those seeking sanctuary. While very few Ukrainians are now arriving in Wales, our commitment remains clear: everyone seeking sanctuary, wherever they come from, should be welcomed and supported from the first day they arrive.
We are also committed to providing long-term security and stability for those who choose to make Wales their home. Last year, we invested £53,000 to enable a dedicated Ukraine Immigration Advice Service via our partners, ensuring that Ukrainian individuals and families who have made Wales their home can access high-quality legal advice as their existing visas come to an end. We welcome the UK Government’s decision to extend the application window for the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme from 28 days to 90 days, providing Ukrainians with greater certainty and flexibility when renewing their permission to stay.
As we mark this sombre anniversary, Wales stands resolute with the Ukrainian people and all those uprooted by this war. We will continue to do so for as long as it takes.