AN EMINENT historian and writer, whose brother was killed fighting for his country, is to appear at a North Yorkshire fundraising event for the people of Ukraine.

Ukrainian-born Dr Olesya Khromeychuk will be talking about her acclaimed book, The Death of a Solder Told By His Sister, at the Influence Church, in Richmond, at 7.30pm on May 13.

Dr Khromeychuk, Director of the Ukrainian Institute London, will be in conversation with former Northern Echo editor Peter Barron at the event, which has been organised by the Richmond Walking and Book Festival and the Richmondshire Refugee Support Group.

She will also be reading extracts from her book, a poignant account of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, personalised by the frontline death of her brother, Volodymyr Pavliv.

Volodya, as he was known by his family, was killed by shrapnel while serving on the frontline in eastern Ukraine in 2017, five years before Russia’s full-scale invasion.

“I am looking forward to coming to Richmond because I try to accept every invitation to tell people that this is a war that affects them – it hasn’t ended and is still claiming lots of lives,” said Dr Khromeychuk.

“My message is that there can be no security anywhere in Europe until there is security in Ukraine. If people here don’t stay invested in the war, and in supporting Ukraine, then they are risking their own freedom and democracy.”

Proceeds from the event will be shared between the Richmondshire Refugee Support Group’s ‘Power To Ukraine’ appeal, which is sending generators to communities across the country, and the Ukrainian Institute London, a UK charity.

Signed copies of Dr Khromeychuk’s book will be available to purchase on the night.

The Northern Echo:

“I kept the story to myself to begin with but, in the end, I felt a responsibility to share it because I’m in a privileged position of being a voice that can talk to western audiences, writing in the English language,” she added.

David Walker, chairman of the Richmondshire Refugee Support Group, said: “We are delighted to be co-hosting this event with the Richmond Walking and Book Festival to help Ukrainians tell their stories.

"We have very regular contact with over 100 Ukrainians who are currently living in Richmondshire, where they have been warmly welcomed. We hope the wider community will attend this fundraiser and are grateful to Dr Khromeychuk and Peter Barron for donating their time.”

  • Tickets are available for a minimum donation of £20 via the Walking and Book Festival website: www.booksandboots.org/news or from the Richmond Information Centre, in the Market Hall.