February marked the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In the time since, the war has rarely been out of the headlines, writes the Liberal Democrat MP for Chesham and Amersham Sarah Green.
As I write, the situation feels uncertain, with President Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House having taken such an unexpected turn. It is entirely possible that by the time you read this, this fast-moving situation may have moved on again.
When the invasion first happened, a host of Buckinghamshire residents generously offered to accommodate refugees in their homes. My office helped many constituents to navigate the required visas and administration to ensure that Ukrainians were brought to safety as quickly as possible. This has given our area a special connection to Ukraine.
I am the Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Ukraine, and as part of that group I travelled to Ukraine myself at this time last year. Two things struck me then, that I think are worth restating now.
Firstly, the Ukrainian effort is not solely directed at fighting. They are also preparing for peace. I saw for myself the work they are putting into clearing landmines from fields so that the farmers can return to cultivating crops.
Secondly, this is not just Ukraine’s war. They were the country Russia invaded, but the idea that Putin would be content with stopping at Ukraine’s borders is an illusion. Aggressive Russian expansion will take a toll on all European countries more quickly than you might think.
At this moment, no-one can predict what will happen next, or how this will end. But it’s worth remembering that this war is not just “over there”. Thousands of Buckinghamshire households now have direct connections to Ukrainian citizens, and the whole continent will feel the impact if Ukraine is sold out, defeated or let down in their time of greatest need.
