In the heart of Caerphilly county, a vibrant celebration unfolded earlier this week, bringing together refugees, local residents, and politicians in a moving display of gratitude and unity. The Ukrainian Gratitude Celebration, attended by around 100 people, was much more than an afternoon of music, poetry, and art—it was a heartfelt thank you to the people of Wales, whose warm welcome and steadfast support have helped hundreds of Ukrainians find safety and belonging since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The event, held in the week of September 15-21, 2025, came at a pivotal moment for Wales’ Nation of Sanctuary project. As misinformation swirled—some of it, according to Nation.Cymru, fueled by right-wing politicians and amplified by Reform UK and former Welsh Conservative Senedd group leader Andrew RT Davies—attendees sought to set the record straight. The Nation of Sanctuary project, which has spent approximately £54,879,744.15, has dedicated at least £45,474,618.73 to supporting Ukrainian arrivals in Wales, not, as critics claimed, to people arriving in small boats from the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.
Those gathered in Caerphilly were determined to honor truth over rumor. “These false stories are getting stronger, but the reality is here in this room,” one speaker declared, as reported by Nation.Cymru. “Refugees contribute to councils, schools, businesses and culture. Sanctuary is not a weakness—it is Wales’ strength.” The message was clear: the Nation of Sanctuary plan is a cornerstone of modern Welsh identity, and its future must be protected by all political parties.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, thousands have found refuge in Wales, with around 130 now settled in Caerphilly county borough alone. Their impact has been tangible and far-reaching. Ukrainians are working for Caerphilly Council and local charities, supporting schools, opening businesses—including the Ukrainian café ‘Coffi Kava’ at Caerphilly train station—studying in colleges and universities, and enriching local life through poetry, music, and community projects. The Gratitude Orchard in Morgan Jones Park stands as just one example of these contributions, a living symbol of resilience and hope.
The Ukrainian Gratitude Celebration itself was a feast for the senses. Guests were treated to a generous spread of traditional dishes: varenyky (dumplings), borshch (beetroot soup), holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), deruny (potato pancakes), and medovyk (honey cake). Organiser Yuliia Bond captured the spirit of the day, telling attendees, “Every dumpling, every cake, every dish is not just food—it is our way of saying thank you for standing with us.”
The cultural programme was equally rich, featuring Ukrainian music, song, and poetry. The event also marked the opening of Olesia Miftahova’s art exhibition, ‘Garden of Memories: Growing Beyond,’ which will run at Ty Penallta until October 31, 2025. The exhibition explores themes of resilience, memory, and hope, offering a powerful visual voice for the Ukrainian community and inviting all visitors to reflect on the shared journey of growth and adaptation.
But the event was not just about celebration; it was also a time for remembrance and solidarity. A special tribute was paid to the late Hefin David MS, remembered as a steadfast friend of the Ukrainian community. Yuliia Bond recalled his kindness with emotion: “He once called me a Welsh Ukrainian. Just two simple words, but they healed something deep inside me.” Laura Green, Community Engagement Officer, was also warmly thanked for continuing his legacy of compassion and support.
The audience included a cross-section of the community and political spectrum: Cllr Jamie Pritchard, acting leader of Caerphilly Council; former Caerphilly MP Sir Wayne David; South Wales East MS Peredur Owen Griffiths; Labour Senedd candidate Richard Tunnicliffe; Plaid Cymru Senedd candidate Lindsay Whittle; Jane Hutt MS, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice; and Plaid Cymru deputy leader Delyth Jewell MS. Caerphilly county councillors, the Resettlement Support Team, local charities, and community hosts were also present, underscoring the broad base of support for the Nation of Sanctuary initiative.
Throughout the afternoon, speakers addressed the rise of misinformation about refugees—a topic that has become increasingly urgent in Welsh political debate. They emphasized that refugees are not a drain on resources but active contributors to the councils, schools, businesses, and culture of Wales. Calls were made for all political parties to stand firm in support of the Nation of Sanctuary plan, ensuring that refugee support remains a central part of Welsh identity, now and in the future.
The celebration also highlighted the inclusivity of the Ukrainian community’s efforts. Upcoming events, such as a non-profit evening at Blackwood Rugby Club on September 24, 2025, for families with additional needs, demonstrate the commitment to making everyone feel welcome and supported. Projects like the Gratitude Orchard and the ongoing art exhibition continue to enrich local life, bringing together people from all backgrounds in shared appreciation and understanding.
As the formal programme drew to a close, applause rang out for the performers, speakers, and volunteers who made the event possible. Attendees then shared a meal and explored Miftahova’s evocative artwork. In a final address, Yuliia Bond reminded everyone of the enduring strength found in community: “In Ukrainian we say, ‘В єдності – сила’—in unity there is strength.”
The Ukrainian Gratitude Celebration stands as a testament to the spirit of resilience, gratitude, and togetherness that defines both the refugee community and the people of Wales. In a time of uncertainty and political division, the event offered a powerful reminder that sanctuary is not merely a policy—it is a lived reality, built day by day through acts of kindness, understanding, and shared purpose. The story of Caerphilly’s Ukrainian community is still being written, and for those who gathered this week, it is a story of hope, healing, and unity.
