Camden Leader statement on the anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Today we remember all those who have been killed because of Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine. We think of their surviving family and friends who grieve them, and everyone who has had their lives changed.

Camden stands with Ukraine and against anyone who threatens the hard-won freedoms we enjoy – democracy, security and peace. As Ukrainians fighting on the front line or looking after their families at home will testify, these should never be taken for granted.

Camden’s response to this has felt personal. Our borough is home to both Ukrainian and Russian families and we have strong cultural links to both countries. In the last year, we have built on our reputation as a place which welcomes refugees, to become a borough of sanctuary for people forced away from their homes in Ukraine. Camden residents have opened their homes to Ukrainian people, and our schools and council services have helped families integrate into our Camden way of life.

In November, we took a stand against Vladimir Putin’s totalitarian regime as we renamed an area of Highgate after pro-democracy campaigner Boris Nemtsov. This in itself caused some debate and protest in our borough – the sort of freedoms we treasure and must seek to protect at all costs. Boris Nemtsov Place now stands as a visual reminder of this.

Camden’s commitment is to continue doing all it can to support those affected by the war against Ukraine, and those fleeing other wars around the world.