'Please don't take my home away from me' pleads Ukrainian woman after 120 Ukrainians ordered to vacate Greens Glens Arena

Irish Independent5 hours ago

120 Ukrainians have been informed that they must vacate the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet by Friday, August 29.

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Huge upset as Ukrainians told to leave Cork accommodation

Sunday World

3 hours ago

Sunday World

Huge upset as Ukrainians told to leave Cork accommodation

distraught | 120 Ukrainians at the Green Glens Arena have to leave the facility by August 29th Valeria Marchenko Fiona Corcoran of the founder of the charity the Greater Chernobyl Cause says that some 120 Ukrainians at the Green Glens Arena have to leave the facility by August 29th. They have spent three years living in the facility. It is understood that the decision was made without any consultation not only with the Ukrainians onsite but with the team at the Green Glens Arena who were reportedly informed of the decision by the Department last week. There is no plan for the reallocation of the accommodation to other persons seeking shelter. Ms Corcoran says that there is a huge sense of anxiety among the residents who received their notice to leave. Valeria Marchenko News in 90 Seconds - June 26th 'Two ladies are battling cancer, while others have heart conditions, autism, and various other concerns. Many of these individuals are in school, attending college, or working locally. There is a profound sense of sorrow within the Ukrainian community. They have been informed that they must find homes for their pets, as they will not be allowed to bring them to their next accommodation. Unfortunately, no one knows where they will go next. I call on decision makers to seriously consider the profound impact this move will have, particularly on the children and families who now call Millstreet home. It is deeply distressing.' Meanwhile, Valeria Marchenko, who is from Mariupol, has lived in Millstreet since 2022. She is desperate not to leave her new home. 'Even though I didn't speak English at first, I was hired (locally). My husband has been working as a welder for the past three years. I have never met people as kind and generous as those in Ireland. They gave us a home, and we are truly happy to be here. We're glad that we can contribute something in return. We pay our taxes, we work, and we're proud to be part of this community. Arena is like a big family, we help and support each other. Please don't take my home away from me.' Ms Marchenko said that when the war broke out in February 2022 her husband was away working. She was living with her mother. 'For two months and 16 days, we lived in a basement — without electricity, gas, or Internet. We were completely cut off from the outside world and didn't understand what was happening. We only understood one thing: we could die at any moment. On March 8th, my godmother passed away. I took a shovel and dug a grave in our yard. I don't know where I found the strength, but I buried her. I tried to dig deep enough so that the body wouldn't be disturbed by animals. There was no one left in the city — no doctors, no police, nothing was functioning. When there were fierce battles for access to water, we had to crawl on the ground to reach the sea. There was a stream about 2–3 kilometers away. When we couldn't cook over a fire, we ate snow. Food was given to the children first. There were around 30 people in the basement. I still remember how one young man's leg was torn off when he went out to get food. They tried to save him — they cut away the shrapnel with a kitchen knife and put a burning log or coal on the wound to cauterize it. But sadly, he didn't survive. He remained dead with us in the basement for another five days until we could finally carry him out and bury him. During all this time, my husband didn't know whether I was alive or not. He was trying to find me. Some people took money from him in exchange for false information. They even told him I had died in the drama theatre.' Ms Marchenko said that her mother was too terrified to even leave the basement. 'But when the Russians entered, we left the city. My dad lived in the nearby village of Volodarsk. My mom, my cat, my dog, and I walked 22 kilometres. The city was closed, and my dad didn't know whether I was alive or not. He tried to get into Mariupol five times, but they wouldn't let him in. A military bus eventually took us from Volodarsk to Taganrog. From Taganrog, we made our way to Lithuania. My mom's husband was waiting for us there. My husband's family was already in Ireland because they had a car and had managed to leave earlier. My husband and I later flew to Ireland. We were welcomed with smiles and kindness. People gave us food, clothes, and housing. I want to say that, throughout this incredibly difficult journey, I didn't meet a single bad person. I am deeply grateful to Ireland and its people.' It is understood that the Department of Justice has told the families that there is a reduced need for accommodation for Ukrainians in Ireland following a drop in the number of people leaving Ukraine. They were told that the number of locations is being reduced and that all accommodation required is 'temporary' in nature. The Department of Justice has been contacted for comment in relation to the move.

Why Zelenskyy's clothes have become talking point again... this time at Nato Summit

First Post

4 hours ago

First Post

Why Zelenskyy's clothes have become talking point again... this time at Nato Summit

At the just-concluded Nato Summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared more formally dressed than usual since the war with Russia began in early 2022. He swapped his typical military-style outfit for a blazer with a military touch, dress trousers, and a shirt. Back in February, the Ukrainian leader's decision not to wear a suit during a meeting with Donald Trump created a furore read more Zelenskyy set aside his usual military-style clothing for a blazer with a military feel, dress trousers and a shirt, though he skipped the tie. Reuters 'Why don't you wear a suit?' That was the question Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced at the White House a few months ago. This time, at the Nato summit in The Hague, the Ukrainian president appeared in a solid black jacket and shirt, similar to a suit. Notably, Zelenskyy was not part of the main Nato discussions but did have a separate meeting with Trump , where they discussed a list of weapons Ukraine hopes to buy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier, the attention on Zelenskyy's choice of clothes at the White House drew sharp criticism from Ukrainians, most of whom have supported him since Russia's invasion in February 2022. But why were his clothes such a big talking point both before and during the recent Nato summit? And why doesn't he wear a suit? Let's take a look: Why Zelenskyy's outfit became the talking point at Nato summit At the recent Nato summit, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy appeared more formally dressed than he has been since the war with Russia began in early 2022. He set aside his usual military-style clothing for a blazer with a military feel, dress trousers and a shirt, though he skipped the tie. This subtle change caused buzz online and was picked up by the Ukrainian edition of ELLE Magazine, which on Wednesday called it 'visual diplomacy of a new kind'. This was Zelenskyy's first time wearing a suit at a Nato summit. Reuters But caused him to change? One reason could be the weight given to this year's Nato summit. Many media outlets described it as one of the most meaningful meetings in the alliance's 76-year history. Key topics included defence budgets, Russia, and how committed Donald Trump remains to Europe's security, issues that, according to Euronews, made some delegates cautious about displeasing the unpredictable US president. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This was Zelenskyy's first time wearing a suit at a Nato summit, though not the first time since the war began. Earlier in the week, he wore a suit jacket during his meeting in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where they discussed defence ties and plans for joint drone production. What happened at White House months ago? Back in February, during a meeting with Donald Trump, the Ukrainian leader was questioned by a reporter about his choice of clothing. 'Why don't you wear a suit?' asked Brian Glenn from Real America's Voice. 'You're at the highest level in this country's office, and you refuse to wear a suit.' He didn't stop there. 'Do you own a suit?' Glenn went on, adding, 'A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office.' Zelenskyy responded briefly: 'I will wear costume after this war will finish.' The word 'costume' translates from kostyum, the Ukrainian term for a suit. He then made a light jab at the reporter. 'Maybe something like yours, yes. Maybe something better, I don't know,' he said, drawing laughter from those present. 'Maybe something cheaper.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After the exchange in the Oval Office, Glenn posted online, saying he had 'extreme empathy for the people of Ukraine' but claimed Zelenskyy's lack of formal dress showed 'his inner disrespect' towards the US. The reporter who asked Zelensky if he owned a suit, Brian Glenn, is from the pro-Trump network Real America's Voice and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's boyfriend. He got one of the rare Oval Office interviewer spots after the White House blocked the Associated Press — Drew Harwell (@drewharwell) February 28, 2025 Supporters of the Ukrainian leader soon responded by sharing wartime photos of Winston Churchill in casual attire. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Not long after the clash, Zelenskyy was asked to leave the White House, as ties between the two countries hit a rough patch. However, this week's meeting between the two leaders appeared far more positive. Zelenskyy also thanked Trump and the US, and spoke of his hopes for 'real peace' between Ukraine and Russia. US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting in The Hague, Netherlands. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters 'I had a long and substantive meeting with President Trump. We covered all the truly important issues,' Zelenskyy wrote on social media. 'I thank Mr President, I thank the United States. We discussed how to achieve a ceasefire and a real peace. We spoke about how to protect our people.' Why Zelenskyy doesn't wear a suit Zelenskyy's clothing choice is meant to reflect his role as Ukraine's commander-in-chief and a visible gesture of unity with the country's armed forces. Elvira Gasanova, the designer behind the Damirli brand, often seen on Zelenskyy, told Politico, 'When world leaders see Zelenskyy in military style, it is a signal — 'Ukraine is at war and I am part of this fight'.' She said that his look is a commitment, even when meeting someone like Trump. It shows support for both civilians and soldiers caught in the war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In times of peace, suits are usually a symbol of diplomacy, routine meetings, and political normalcy. But Ukraine, Gasanova said, is still in crisis. 'The president shows that the war is still going on, that the country is still in a struggle,' she said. His decision to stick with his wartime outfit during the White House visit received strong backing at home, according to The Kyiv Independent. Military attire also carries a deeper meaning. As Euronews reported, uniforms are often linked to strength and leadership. Worn by generals, war veterans and statesmen, they can convey a sense of credibility and authority.

Irish Independent

5 hours ago

Irish Independent