Ukrainian Mayor Thanks Banbury

The mayor of a war-devastated Ukrainian city visited Banbury as part of a nationwide tour.

Vadym Boichenko, the leader of Mariupol – a city on the northern coast of the Sea of Azov – met civic dignitaries, councillors, and members of the town’s Ukrainian community at a reception in the town hall last night (Tuesday 11th)

Welcoming Mr Boichenko, Banbury’s High Steward Sir Tony Baldry described the situation in Mariupol. He said the city had been occupied by Russian forces since May last year and that 22,000 civilians had been killed.

He said: “95% of the city’s infrastructure has been damaged by large scale Russian bombardment including apartment blocks, schools and a busy maternity hospital.”

Sir Tony described the Russian invasion as one of the worst-ever war crimes.

He mentioned the help being provided for Ukraine in Banbury – particularly the donations being collected and sorted in the former Debenhams building before being sent to Ukraine.

Sir Tony said: “It the biggest project of its kind in the UK and is doing a fantastic job.”

Mr Boichenko, who has been mayor since 2015, lives in exile 200 miles from Mariupol after being forced out of his home city.

Through an interpreter he said: “I expect to return home by the end of the year.”

He thanked Banbury for its help and for welcoming Ukrainian refugees who have come to England to escape the war.

More than 100 have legally found homes in Banbury since the start of the conflict.

Mr Boichenko said he would spend two days in Banbury before visiting Manchester and then London.

He will meet volunteers at the collection centre and spend time with the refugees.

Mr Boichenko was presented with a Banbury Town Council flag by the leader of the council Kieron Mallon, who said: ”We have been flying the Ukraine flag above the town hall. I hope you do us the honour of flying the Banbury flag over Mariupol when you return home.”

Mr Boichenko was invited to Banbury by town mayor Cllr Fiaz Ahmed who said: “Banbury Town Council pledged last year to welcome and provide support to those who escape the conflict in Ukraine by lawfully resettling in Banbury. This visit is a result of that commitment.”

The reception ended with the singing of the Ukraine national anthem.