On 24 August, a truly warm and moving event — “Ukraine – Come Sign the Flag!” — took place in the heart of Church Stretton (UK). For several hours, local residents and visitors gathered in the town square to leave their words of support for the people of Okhtyrka, Sumy region, on a Ukrainian flag. We learned of this event from Professor Christian Dunn of Bangor University, United Kingdom — a partner institution of Khmelnytskyi National University within the UK–Ukraine Twinning Initiative — and also our good friend and colleague.
The flag that became the symbol of this initiative carries a remarkable story. It flew over Okhtyrka’s central square on the day of russia’s full-scale invasion. To save it from destruction, a local priest took it down and hid it, risking his life. Now, that same flag bears hundreds of heartfelt messages from caring Britons — words of friendship, hope and solidarity — soon to be returned to its home city.
The event was organised by the Strettons Ukraine Relief Effort, a volunteer initiative from Shropshire which has been actively supporting Ukraine since 2022. Their volunteers regularly collect and deliver humanitarian aid to eastern Ukraine: from medical supplies and foodstuffs to generators and vehicles.
Professor Christian Dunn himself joined the initiative, once again demonstrating his support for the Ukrainian people. His presence in Church Stretton and his inscription on the flag — “Slava Ukraini!” — became another vivid example of how partnerships between universities go far beyond academic cooperation, evolving into genuine friendship and uniting communities in both countries in their shared commitment to support Ukraine.
This event once again proved that the Ukrainian struggle for freedom does not leave people indifferent, wherever they may be in the world, and that messages of solidarity from a small British town will undoubtedly reach the hearts of those now living on the front line.
