'We need to stay strong and believe in the happy future of Ukraine'

Victoriia Pavlyk and daughter Anastasia, 12, now live at the Convent of Mercy in Rosscarbery, West Cork. Picture: Andy Gibson

In towns and villages, suburbs and city centres all around Ireland, this
Christmas will have a Ukrainian flavour.

The latest figures show that this country is now accommodating more than 67,000 people, between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants. This includes 49,660 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and 17,835 applicants currently in International Protection Accommodation Services
(IPAS) accommodation.