Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
11
Mar 2022
Ukrainian couple in Harrogate speak of fears for family under Russian fire
A Ukrainian couple have spoken about their fears for close family members who are encircled by Russian forces in Ukraine and unable to flee.
Taras and Viktoriia Jakubiak live in Harrogate with their two children Isabella, 6, and Eve, 12, who goes to St Robert's Catholic Primary School and St John Fisher Catholic High School.
Viktoriia's mum and sister are currently in Chernhiv, a city less than 100 miles north of Kyiv. It has faced heavy shelling and airstrikes from Russian forces since the invasion began.
The couple last spoke to them this morning.
Taras said:
Acute danger each day
Their family members in Chernhiv face acute danger each day. Russian tanks shot at a church when Viktoriia's mum was inside and they are spending nights in a pitch black basement to not draw attention.
Taras added:
Viktoriia's mum works in the local city hospital. However she is continuing to go to work, despite the threat from Russian forces who have bombed hospitals in Mariupol and Zhytomyr.
Taras said:
Below is a video that was recently taken in Chernihiv where Viktoriia and Taras' family live.
https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1500566937516060676?s=20&t=rjn1szCForBjc9nWj5F3Qw
Read more:
- Ukraine crisis: Guide to how you can help locally
- Former Ripon student fleeing Ukraine today to set up refugee shelter
- Ripon man with family in Ukraine speaks of ‘deeply troubling’ times
The family moved to Harrogate two years ago from West Yorkshire. Taras said he was touched to see the Ukrainian flag flying at the war memorial in Harrogate.
He was born in the UK and also has cousins in Kyiv. Taras said the response in Harrogate, which has involved fundraisers and donations, has made him proud to be both British and Ukrainian.
Things will get better
Heartbreakingly, the family got Viktoriia's mum and sister UK visas to escape the war zone and join them in Harrogate. However, they did not have enough time to leave Chernhiv before the Russian advance and were trapped.
Taras said it has been difficult to explain the situation to his children, who ask how their relatives are doing in Ukraine.
0