A year on from Russia’s evil invasion of Ukraine, we pause to reflect, and lament.

For so many, it has been a year marked with deep suffering and loss. War has come with a great cost.

Ukraine has experienced the extensive destruction of buildings, infrastructure and homes; the death of thousands of its people, and millions have been forced to leave behind their homes and lives in search of safety.

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The impact has been global, with sanctions continuing to contribute to the rising cost of living in this country, and the shortage of food for many in the poorest nations.

On this anniversary, our thoughts are with those who are affected most, as we join with them in solidarity.

The Northern Echo: Bishop of Durham Paul Butler Bishop of Durham Paul Butler (Image: Contributor)

Looking back on the past year, it is also important to draw attention to the points of hope amongst this pain.

The moments in which great resilience, generosity, and the better side of our humanity have been displayed.

When speaking with Ukrainian refugees, they have expressed to me how welcome they have felt from the British people.

I particularly reflect on the success of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. In the days following the launch of the scheme, more than 150,000 households across the UK registered their interest in hosting refugees. 99 per cent of sponsors have said that they regularly provided some form of support beyond accommodation, showing the willingness of people to exceed the requirements of not only offering refugees a room in their house to stay, but fully welcoming them into their home.

I truly believe that due to the response of the British people, the scheme has come to reflect its name – people have not just provided ‘houses’ for Ukrainians, but they have indeed provided ‘homes’.

As I reflect on hosting a Ukrainian family in our own home, I am struck by the extent to which people are driven to protect the safety and security of their children – something that remains true no matter the society or nation.

They may not speak our language, or share our culture, but they share our humanity.

They long for the very best for their children, their own lives and for the peaceful flourishing of their own land.

Their presence has been a constant reminder of the impact of the war, making the headlines more than just words on paper.

It keeps clearly in mind that this is about real people and families, separated from all familiarity, and their loved ones.

As the war continues, it is important that we do not become desensitised to it. The destruction continues.

The damage to a nation, and to relationships across the globe deepens. The need to help Ukraine and its refugees has not diminished.

The war effort still needs support. Ukrainians already here still need homes and support.

New refugees continue to arrive, not simply here but across Europe and especially in Ukraine’s neighbouring countries.

Ukraine may not occupy the headlines so fully, but the grave reality its people are facing has not gone away.

One other regular thanks I hear from Ukrainians themselves is that they have, and are being prayed for by people around the world.

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Prayer matters to them, they looked to God for lasting peace. This weekend there is a fresh focus on praying for Ukraine.

As this terrible war enters its second year, I pray that the year ahead is one marked by more moments of hope, that while the war persists people will continue to respond from a place of love and generosity, and our support does not grow weary.

I pray that the Russian leadership will have a change of heart and that ultimately peace will prevail.