Ukrainian Week in the UK 2025

Tonight, as we close the first Ukrainian Week in the United Kingdom, we’re not just ending a programme of events; we’re celebrating a movement — one that has brought together more than 30 British universities and their Ukrainian partners to host over 100 events across the country. From Paisley to Plymouth, Belfast to Norwich, Cardiff to Canterbury, campuses across the UK opened their doors — and their hearts — to Ukraine.

Over these ten days, we’ve seen exhibitions of art and courage, student debates about the future of Europe, lectures on law, culture and language, film screenings, book launches, and even a workshop on artificial intelligence and justice led jointly by Edge Hill University and Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University. We watched Ukrainian dancing in Norwich, heard poetry in Leicester, witnessed moving performances like BLOKPOST at St Andrews, and saw virtual reality bring the underground schools of Ukraine to life in Cardiff. Each event was a story — of resilience, creativity, and the unbreakable bond between our two nations.

None of this would have been possible without the remarkable partnership and determination of the UK and Ukrainian universities — and the people behind them. You have shown that collaboration can thrive even in the hardest times, and that education is not just about knowledge — it is about hope.

Last year, Ukrainian Week brought together more than 30 UK universities and their Ukrainian partners, which organised over 100 events across the United Kingdom.

During the week, universities organised different activities. These included academic events, lectures, discussions, cultural events, exhibitions, and activities for students.

Universities hosted exhibitions, public lectures, debates, theatre performances, film screenings, workshops, and cultural events highlighting Ukrainian culture, research cooperation, and university partnerships.

Each university could decide what was most suitable for its own community and its partnership with Ukraine.

We were also delighted to work with the President of Ukraine’s Fund for Support of Education, Science and Sports, including through visits to four universities across the four nations of the United Kingdom.