Tuesday, 24 February marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine – a date that has divided the lives of millions into 'before' and 'after.'  Since the war began, more than 218,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the UK through the Homes for Ukraine and Family Scheme, each carrying their own story of loss, resilience and hope. 

Here, Olha Vanchuliak, herself a Ukrainian who is Fundraising Officer with Action Foundation, meets Sofia, a Ukrainian student in Newcastle who has built community, culture, and connection through founding Northumbria University's first Ukrainian Society. 

Meet Sofia 

Sofia arrived in the UK in August 2022 to continue her education and to stay safe while studying. In 2023, after being accepted to Northumbria University, she decided to create a Ukrainian Society on campus. 

"I really wanted to set it up, but I was afraid nobody would join," she admits. 

She shouldn't have worried. In September, the society officially launched with just three members but since then it has grown to around 45 regular attendees – a testament to the need for connection among Ukrainians far from home. 

Leaving Ukraine – A Life Divided 

Sofia is from the north of Khmelnytskyi region, a part of western Central Ukraine known for its many military units and bases, making it a frequent target for Russian attacks. 

"Almost everything they launch – drones, missiles, shells – flies over my town," she explains. 

Her family has endured constant alarms and shelling and many of her relatives are serving in the Ukrainian military.

 "For us the 24th February is not just about remembering the start of the war, it's more about the division of our life to before and after". 

Leaving home meant safety, but not certainty. Like many Ukrainian students, Sofia now lives with the constant worry of unstable visas, unpredictable policies and an unclear future.

"Many of us want to settle, build our lives and contribute to the UK, but the uncertainty makes it impossible." 

Settling in the UK 

Coming to Newcastle offered Sofia a place to continue her studies, but adjusting to life in a new country during wartime brought challenges. Her entire family remains in Ukraine and each video call brings another update on attacks, losses and frontline realities. 

Despite this, Sofia found support, friends and a sense of belonging through university life – something she now works to build for other Ukrainians. 

Founding the Ukrainian Society 

As Northumbria University's first Ukrainian Society – and the only Eastern European society on campus – Sofia wanted the group to be more than just a club. She imagined a space where Ukrainian students could feel at home, protect their culture, and be understood without explanation. 

This year, she and her committee created Ukrainian Week, held last week, the week before the anniversary of the invasion, a set of events to raise funds for the charity Ukraine Relief, which provides humanitarian aid for Ukrainian people.

The events included a Ukrainian movie night, a Ukrainian quiz night, 'Vechornytsi' (a traditional evening of Ukrainian music and folk traditions) and Petrykivka art workshop (pictured), where people painted unique Ukrainian patterns, recognised by UNESCO as part of Ukrainian heritage. And what is culture without food? A Varenyky making workshop taught people how to make tasty Ukrainian dumplings.

And the final event to mark the anniversary was a rally on Sunday with the wider Ukrainian community at Newcastle's Haymarket to spread awareness that the war is still ongoing.  

Ongoing Journey & Hopes for the Future 

Leading the Ukrainian Society has allowed Sofia to transform worry into purpose. She has built a community not only for Ukrainians, but for students from across the world who want to understand and support Ukraine. Her hope is simple –

"That people keep talking about Ukraine. When people stop talking, they assume the war is over – but it's not." 

By sharing culture, raising awareness and supporting humanitarian work, Sofia shows that even far from home, Ukrainians continue to fight for their country in their own ways. 

Sofia's story is one of resilience and the power of community. Through education, culture, and compassion, she has built a home for Ukrainian students in the North East – a space where remembrance, pride, and hope can coexist. 

As the fourth anniversary of the invasion approaches, her work reminds us that behind every news headline is a young person trying to study, build a life, support their family, and keep their culture alive. 

And that community can be a lifeline. As Sofia says:

"For us, Ukrainian Week is about creating a sense of home away from home and I hope it becomes a tradition."