AUGUST 24 is an important day for Ukrainians – for it marks the anniversary of the day the country declared independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991.

And each year, Ukrainians celebrate breaking free.

This year, the occasion takes place 18 months after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attempt to roll back that freedom with tanks, soldiers and missiles.

Since the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, millions of Ukrainians’ have fled the country to seek safety, with more than 160,000 settling in the UK, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).

In Dorset, so far, more than 400 households have sponsored refugees as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

But Dorset Council says it still needs more.

As the war sadly continues, more Ukrainians need a place of safety, and the council is seeking new hosts in the county to help victims escape the war-torn country, as well as Ukrainians already in the area who need to move on from their initial sponsorship arrangement.

“If you think you could help by offering a spare room in your home or in an annexe or independent accommodation, we would love to hear from you,” a council spokesperson said.

“In return, you will have a network of support and we will pay you £350 a month to provide a home for the refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

“Dorset Council’s Ukraine Response Team are there for both hosts and refugees, ensuring the transition is as smooth as possible for all concerned.”

Anyone interested in hosting can register their interest and find out more information by emailing ukraineresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, or calling 01305 221000.