A visit to the UK Parliament

On 24 June, we visited the UK Parliament — yes, the very place where decisions are made that affect the lives of thousands of Ukrainians. For us, it was not just an opportunity to be present, but a real chance to bring the voice of our community directly to those who need to hear it — the things we hear every day from people across the UK.

We spoke about the most important issues: 

• The uncertainty Ukrainian families live with;
• The fear of planning for the future when you don’t know what will happen once your visa expires;
• The fact that people are working, studying, integrating — and yet still living “on pause”; 
• And how deeply everyone needs stability, clarity, and the simple ability to live without constant anxiety.

The meeting wasn’t a formality. It was a genuine conversation in which, alongside Kryla, other Ukrainian organisations also took part — each with its own experience and its own stories. The MPs listened attentively, asked questions, and genuinely tried to understand what Ukrainians in the UK need right now. There was a real sense that we were heard — and that the issue of the future status of Ukrainians has finally been raised at a level where meaningful decisions can be made.

The day brought an important result: we established direct connections with MPs and the wider civic sector. This means that from now on, together with other Ukrainian organisations, we can continue moving the issue of Ukrainians’ status forward, relying on real stories, evidence, and the needs of our community. For us, this is a major step towards ensuring that our collective voice is reflected in future decisions.

And yes, we are proud of this. Because it’s not about politics — it’s about the future of people who were forced to find themselves in another country and are trying to live, work, and feel safe here. 

And we will continue working to ensure that Ukrainians in the UK have more confidence, stability, and clarity about their future.