Latest news with #UkrainianCossacks
Pembrokeshire Herald
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Queen tribute band ‘Now I'm Here' set to rock the Torch Theatre
World-class acts confirmed as Royal Welsh Agricultural Society unveils full line-up AN ACTION-PACKED programme of main ring entertainment has been unveiled for the 2025 Royal Welsh Show, with the headline act confirmed as the return of the thrilling Ukrainian Cossack Stunt Team. This year's show will take place from July 21 to 24 at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, and promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Back by popular demand, the Ukrainian Cossacks are set to deliver a heart-stopping 10-minute display of traditional horseback stunts each day. Famous for their astonishing equestrian feats, the team will perform jaw-dropping routines that include flipping beneath galloping horses, forming six-person human pyramids, and executing mid-air somersaults – all while riding at full speed. Led by founder Oleh Yurchyshyn, the team has performed at more than 20 high-profile events across Europe and the Middle East. Their appearance this year holds special significance, as several members have served in defence of Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Riding the tough and fearless Ukrainian Warmblood breed, the team combines breathtaking athleticism with cultural tradition. Many riders wear the traditional 'oseledets' – a topknot hairstyle symbolising honour and resilience. Alongside the Cossacks, an impressive range of main ring entertainment has been announced: Bolddog FMX – The UK's number one motorcycle stunt team will wow the crowds with high-flying freestyle motocross tricks. Meirion Owen and his Sheepdogs – A fascinating insight into the bond between dog and handler, showcasing traditional sheepdog work. The Regimental Band & Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh – A stirring display of military music and precision marching. RAF College Band – Performing on Tuesday only, this elite band will demonstrate outstanding musical skill and ceremonial drill. Tristar Carriage Driving – A captivating performance blending horsemanship with artistic choreography. RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team – The RAF's top parachute team will drop into the main ring with pinpoint accuracy on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. British Army Drone Sports Association – A modern twist on military skill, with drone operation demonstrations on Monday and Wednesday. Heavy Horse Village – A dedicated area celebrating the strength and heritage of traditional working horses. Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: 'The 2025 Royal Welsh Show continues our tradition of bringing world-class entertainment alongside the very best of Welsh agriculture. The Ukrainian Cossacks represent the courage, culture and spectacle that our visitors have come to love.' The show remains Wales' leading agricultural event, with competitions, exhibitions and displays across livestock, horticulture, forestry, crafts and food. Other ring highlights include the Inter Hunt Team Relay, parade of hounds, mounted games, and trotting events across various days. Tickets are available now at or by calling 01982 553683. Early bird discounts are available until June 30.
Powys County Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Royal Welsh Show 2025 main ring attractions announced
The Royal Welsh Show has announced the main ring attractions for 2025. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has announced the list of main ring attractions for the 2025 Royal Welsh Show, which will be held from July 21 to 24 at the showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. The headline act for this year's event is the return of the Ukrainian Cossacks. The Cossacks are known for their daring displays of horsemanship. They will present a 10-minute showcase of traditional Cossack riding in the main ring. The Ukrainian Cossack stunt team, led by founder Oleh Yurchyshyn, has performed at more than 20 prestigious events across Europe and the Middle East. They will perform stunts including flipping beneath galloping horses, forming six-person human pyramids on horseback, and executing somersaults mid-charge. The team rides Ukrainian Warmblood horses, a breed known for its endurance and bravery. Many of the riders maintain the traditional 'oseledets' hairstyle, a topknot on a shaved head that symbolises their cultural heritage. Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: "The 2025 Royal Welsh Show continues our tradition of bringing world-class entertainment alongside the very best of Welsh agriculture. "The Ukrainian Cossacks represent exactly the kind of spectacular, culturally rich performance our visitors have come to expect from the main ring. "Their appearance this year carries extra significance as a celebration of courage and resilience." The show will also feature the UK's number one motorcycle display team, Bolddog FMX, who will perform stunts and aerial acrobatics. Meirion Owen and his sheepdogs will demonstrate traditional sheepdog work, while the Regimental Band & Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh will showcase Welsh musical heritage. The RAF College Band will perform on Tuesday, and the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team will descend into the main ring on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The British Army Drone Sports Association will demonstrate military drone operations on Monday and Wednesday. The show will also feature a heavy horse village, celebrating traditional working horses. Visitors can also look forward to a variety of other main ring entertainment throughout the show, including the Inter Hunt Team Relay, Parade of Hounds, and Mounted Games. Tickets for the event are available online at or by calling 01982 553683.
Pembrokeshire Herald
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Postal voters to be contacted about new requirements for reapplication
World-class acts confirmed as Royal Welsh Agricultural Society unveils full line-up AN ACTION-PACKED programme of main ring entertainment has been unveiled for the 2025 Royal Welsh Show, with the headline act confirmed as the return of the thrilling Ukrainian Cossack Stunt Team. This year's show will take place from July 21 to 24 at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, and promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Back by popular demand, the Ukrainian Cossacks are set to deliver a heart-stopping 10-minute display of traditional horseback stunts each day. Famous for their astonishing equestrian feats, the team will perform jaw-dropping routines that include flipping beneath galloping horses, forming six-person human pyramids, and executing mid-air somersaults – all while riding at full speed. Led by founder Oleh Yurchyshyn, the team has performed at more than 20 high-profile events across Europe and the Middle East. Their appearance this year holds special significance, as several members have served in defence of Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Riding the tough and fearless Ukrainian Warmblood breed, the team combines breathtaking athleticism with cultural tradition. Many riders wear the traditional 'oseledets' – a topknot hairstyle symbolising honour and resilience. Alongside the Cossacks, an impressive range of main ring entertainment has been announced: Bolddog FMX – The UK's number one motorcycle stunt team will wow the crowds with high-flying freestyle motocross tricks. Meirion Owen and his Sheepdogs – A fascinating insight into the bond between dog and handler, showcasing traditional sheepdog work. The Regimental Band & Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh – A stirring display of military music and precision marching. RAF College Band – Performing on Tuesday only, this elite band will demonstrate outstanding musical skill and ceremonial drill. Tristar Carriage Driving – A captivating performance blending horsemanship with artistic choreography. RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team – The RAF's top parachute team will drop into the main ring with pinpoint accuracy on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. British Army Drone Sports Association – A modern twist on military skill, with drone operation demonstrations on Monday and Wednesday. Heavy Horse Village – A dedicated area celebrating the strength and heritage of traditional working horses. Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: 'The 2025 Royal Welsh Show continues our tradition of bringing world-class entertainment alongside the very best of Welsh agriculture. The Ukrainian Cossacks represent the courage, culture and spectacle that our visitors have come to love.' The show remains Wales' leading agricultural event, with competitions, exhibitions and displays across livestock, horticulture, forestry, crafts and food. Other ring highlights include the Inter Hunt Team Relay, parade of hounds, mounted games, and trotting events across various days. Tickets are available now at or by calling 01982 553683. Early bird discounts are available until June 30.
Pembrokeshire Herald
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Ukrainian Cossacks to headline spectacular main ring at 2025 Royal Welsh Show
World-class acts confirmed as Royal Welsh Agricultural Society unveils full line-up AN ACTION-PACKED programme of main ring entertainment has been unveiled for the 2025 Royal Welsh Show, with the headline act confirmed as the return of the thrilling Ukrainian Cossack Stunt Team. This year's show will take place from July 21 to 24 at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, and promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Back by popular demand, the Ukrainian Cossacks are set to deliver a heart-stopping 10-minute display of traditional horseback stunts each day. Famous for their astonishing equestrian feats, the team will perform jaw-dropping routines that include flipping beneath galloping horses, forming six-person human pyramids, and executing mid-air somersaults – all while riding at full speed. Led by founder Oleh Yurchyshyn, the team has performed at more than 20 high-profile events across Europe and the Middle East. Their appearance this year holds special significance, as several members have served in defence of Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Riding the tough and fearless Ukrainian Warmblood breed, the team combines breathtaking athleticism with cultural tradition. Many riders wear the traditional 'oseledets' – a topknot hairstyle symbolising honour and resilience. Alongside the Cossacks, an impressive range of main ring entertainment has been announced: Bolddog FMX – The UK's number one motorcycle stunt team will wow the crowds with high-flying freestyle motocross tricks. Meirion Owen and his Sheepdogs – A fascinating insight into the bond between dog and handler, showcasing traditional sheepdog work. The Regimental Band & Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh – A stirring display of military music and precision marching. RAF College Band – Performing on Tuesday only, this elite band will demonstrate outstanding musical skill and ceremonial drill. Tristar Carriage Driving – A captivating performance blending horsemanship with artistic choreography. RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team – The RAF's top parachute team will drop into the main ring with pinpoint accuracy on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. British Army Drone Sports Association – A modern twist on military skill, with drone operation demonstrations on Monday and Wednesday. Heavy Horse Village – A dedicated area celebrating the strength and heritage of traditional working horses. Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: 'The 2025 Royal Welsh Show continues our tradition of bringing world-class entertainment alongside the very best of Welsh agriculture. The Ukrainian Cossacks represent the courage, culture and spectacle that our visitors have come to love.' The show remains Wales' leading agricultural event, with competitions, exhibitions and displays across livestock, horticulture, forestry, crafts and food. Other ring highlights include the Inter Hunt Team Relay, parade of hounds, mounted games, and trotting events across various days. Tickets are available now at or by calling 01982 553683. Early bird discounts are available until June 30.
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Crimea, territory at heart of US-Ukraine tensions
KYIV: Crimea, the focus of fresh tensions between US President Donald Trump and his Ukranian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 in the first act of the countries' ongoing war. According to US media reports, Washington's plan to end the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, includes the US recognizing Russian control of the peninsula -- a prospect unacceptable to Kyiv. The annexation of Crimea in March 2014 sparked the first wave of Western sanctions against Russia, and caused a surge in tensions in Moscow's relations with Ukraine as well as with the United States and Europe. Here are some facts about the territory. Pre- and post-Soviet history The Black Sea peninsula has a rugged landscape and beautiful beaches as well as ancient remains and architecture reflecting a diverse history of settlers including Greeks, Romans, Tatars and Turks. Its main sea resort, Yalta, hosted the conference of British, Soviet and US leaders that divided up Europe at the end of World War II. Its warm temperate climate makes it also a wine-growing region. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, himself from Ukraine, transferred Crimea from Russia to Ukraine in 1954 as a 'gift' to commemorate 300 years of a treaty between the Ukrainian Cossacks and the Russian tsardom. But this was largely a symbolic move since Ukraine and Russia were both republics of the USSR. A year after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Kyiv gave Crimea the status of an autonomous republic in a bid to prevent separatist tendencies among its mainly Russian-speaking population. After years of disputes, Russia gained the right to station its naval fleet in the Crimean port of Sevastopol, extending its sphere of operations in the Black Sea and beyond, towards the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Despite this agreement, the Crimean issue poisoned relations between Moscow and Kyiv for years. Some regional officials regularly challenged Ukraine's right to be in charge there. 2014 annexation After pro-Western authorities came to power in Ukraine following the Maidan revolution in February 2014, clashes erupted in Crimea between pro-Moscow and pro-Kyiv supporters. A heavily armed pro-Russian commando unit seized the parliament building, supported by thousands of uniformed personnel deployed across the peninsula. Those soldiers, in balaclavas and without military insignia, quickly took control of public buildings and besieged Ukrainian military bases. President Vladimir Putin only later acknowledged that they were Russian soldiers. On March 16 Russia held a hastily-organised referendum in Crimea. It said that 97 percent voted 'yes' to Crimea becoming part of Russia. The vote was declared null and void by Kyiv and the West, which denounced as illegal its annexation, formalised in a treaty signed by Putin. The treaty has still not been recognised as valid except by a handful of countries including Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Syria and Zimbabwe. China has not recognised the annexation, nor have some Moscow-allied countries such as Belarus and Kazakhstan. The European Union, the United States, Britain and Canada adopted initial sanctions against Russia, in the form of asset freezes, embargoes targeting specific sectors and a ban on investments in Crimea. Crimea since 2014 Crimea, which covered 4.5 percent of Ukraine's territory, was integrated into Russia in 2014, becoming an autonomous republic with its own government and institutions subordinate to Moscow. The city of Sevastopol was granted a special separate status, like the Russian capital and the northwestern city of Saint Petersburg. The ruble replaced the Ukrainian hryvnia currency and the peninsula switched to Moscow time, while Russian companies, including some banks and telephone operators, set up branches there. Western and Ukrainian tourism to the region slumped, replaced by hordes of Russian and Belarusian holidaymakers. Local authorities are massively distributing Russian passports to the population, while the Crimean Tatars, a Muslim minority who voted overwhelmingly against the annexation, are subject to repression. In 2016, the Mejlis, the representative body of the Crimean Tatar community, was declared 'extremist', sparking a wave of arrests and forced exile. Since 2018, the peninsula has been linked to mainland Russia by the Kerch road bridge, 19 kilometres (12 miles) long. It has been struck and damaged by Ukrainian forces numerous times.
