Bury St Edmunds Ukrainian community share their reaction after Oval Office clash - and plan rally of solidarity

A community will come together later this month in support of their homeland.

The Ukrainian community in Bury St Edmunds will be holding a rally on March 28, as a show of solidarity.

It comes after talks between Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump ended in a heated spat, last week.

Mr Trump also later announced he would be withdrawing all military aid and intelligence, throwing its European allies into a tailspin.

Ukrainian people living in Bury St Edmunds have been through a range of emotions since the events unfolded.

In the Oval Office, President Trump accused President Zelensky of being ungrateful, despite the Ukrainian president having thanked US allies several times.

Artist Valerii Kaluiev, 80, who fled to Bury St Edmunds with his wife after the Russia invasion in February 24, 2022, said: “An overarching feeling of sorrow prevails as so many lives are lost and a country of such natural, cultural and historical beauty is destroyed.

“Deep sadness fills my heart as those who are allies cannot find common ground and be united. How we can withstand our enemies if we cannot find unity amongst our allies?

“People are exhausted from war both physically and mentally and Ukraine wants war to stop. Politicians should put people’s lives first and not squabble. Egos, certainly, do not have place in this. They are not children and Ukraine is not a sandbox”

Mum-of-two Alina Sabat, who spoke recently at a rally in the town to mark three years since Russian missiles first fell, said: “We have arranged a second rally to show our solidarity and raise awareness.

“What is happening now is a big game of Monopoly and the playing field is Ukraine; the resources are Ukrainian people, land and minerals. Those who have a lot of money can buy land and people, and those who have power can destroy people on their land.

“Trump should adhere to the Budapest Memorandum, as the UK adheres to it The country he heads has pledged to protect the sovereignty of Ukraine.

“Victory is important for all Ukrainians because peace with Russia is not possible. This will be only a short-term break for the Russian Federation to accumulate forces for a second offensive, and the next time it will be without the mistakes made in 2022.

“This week, in my city at there was a big drone attack, with more than 10 explosions. Whenever this happens, I am constantly in touch with my sister. She lives alone and is very scared. When she hides in the bathroom, I talk to her to make her feel calmer.

“Everyone here, in the Ukrainian community, is very worried. Patriot systems destroyed Russian missiles before they hit their target. But Trump has banned the provision of weapons for these systems to Ukraine, so now the sky is open and we are waiting for the most terrible consequences of his decision.

“From Europe and the UK, I feel there should be a faster reaction with regard to violations of international treaties. Putin and Trump make decisions in a couple of hours. Europe needs weeks to dare to express its concern all while we are all on the verge of World War III.”

Ivanna Wales, who also now lives in Bury, said: “The Oval Office meeting was obviously staged because the decision has been made already. Russians are in a hurry, their economy is on the brink and they need Ukraine to surrender. They have their asset in Trump, with clear instructions.

“I feel pure fury and hatred. Lots of Ukrainian lives will be lost, and this is devastating. It’s immoral, inhuman and against everything the US declares it is. We need victory, not peace.

“There will be no peace without clear, documented victory over Russia. The unpunished evil always makes it return.”

The StandWithUkraine rally will take place in the Abbey Gardens.

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