Written Statement: Holodomor Commemoration 2025

Each year, on the fourth Saturday in November, we join with people around the world to remember Holodomor – bearing witness to a dark chapter in human history and its modern parallels. This annual act of remembrance honours the huge number of Ukrainians who suffered and perished in the man-made famine – a genocide recognised by Senedd Cymru

Today (22nd November 2025), we will gather for a ceremony to mark this solemn anniversary. Together with members of the Ukrainian community, and friends from across Wales, we will lay wreaths and sheaves of wheat - symbols of both loss and resilience. We stand in solidarity with Ukrainians here in Wales and around the world.

We continue to honour the legacy of Welsh journalist Gareth Jones, whose courageous reporting in 1933 brought the horrors of Holodomor to the world’s attention.  His legacy reminds us of the vital role that truthful reporting in exposing injustice and in ensuring it is neither distorted nor forgotten. 

As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine continues, we continue our steadfast support for Ukrainians and Ukraine. Last month, the First Minister was proud to visit the Ukrainian Hub Cymru and unveiled a plaque which reads:

"What started as a grassroots response to a crisis has blossomed into something truly remarkable. This…is a celebration not just of Ukrainian resilience, but of what we can achieve together when we open our hearts and our communities.”

The Ukrainian community in Wales has enriched our communities and deepened the bonds of friendship between our nations. They have shown remarkable resilience and courage. By coming together, we light the way towards a brighter, united future. 

Welsh Government has again funded the commemoration event today and I would like to thank the organisers Welsh Refugee Council and Senedd 4 Ukraine, as well as all who have participated. Ukrainians across Wales have been invited to join the event via livestream. We will continue to stand together. Slava Ukraini.