Daria Zhdanova
It’s always a pure delight to witness people co-creating. The unity, belonging, and friendly rapport that blossoms, along with the sheer satisfaction of the outcome, is captivating. And when these creations are traditional Ukrainian crafts, drawing from ancient, deeply resonant roots and imbued with fresh inspiration, it quite literally gives me goosebumps.
Daria Zhdanova
It’s hard to imagine showcasing Ukrainian culture without its vibrant songs and dances. For centuries, Ukrainians have connected with their rich natural surroundings, always finding space in their hearts for celebration. Perhaps that’s why their art is imbued with such unique harmony and beauty, often reflecting the grandeur of deeply felt experiences through various forms.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, over 7,000 Ukrainians have found refuge in Wales. The research “Another Battle for Survival” conducted by Gareth Lynn Montes and published by the Welsh Refugee Council in March 2025, provides the first in-depth analysis of the housing journey of Ukrainian refugees in the region.
On March 24, 2025, an online forum was held, organized by the Wales Refugee and Asylum Seeker Advocacy Forum, dedicated to the asylum procedure and the Ukrainian Permission Extension (UPE) scheme. The main speaker was Nicholas Wysoczanskyj, Ukraine Manager at the Welsh Refugee Council, who answered numerous participant questions and provided important information for Ukrainians in the United Kingdom.
It took me more than a year after moving to Wales to pick up my camera again. The weight of displacement and uncertainty had temporarily dimmed my creative light. As a mother of two children with special needs, whom I’ve been raising alone for over 10 years, I understand deeply what it means to feel empty, to lose yourself and your sense of beauty.
