Western politicians responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in near unison – not only in condemnation of Vladimir Putin’s government, but also in announcing that Ukrainian refugees would be made to feel welcome wherever they were able to settle.
Eight months later, however, the rhetoric is wearing thin. It is estimated that more than half a million Ukrainians who left the country following the outbreak of war have now returned. In Britain, the flagship ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme failed to vet potential host families, and initial six-month arrangements are now coming to an end. 61 per cent of local authorities surveyed by The Independent reported they were worried about an increase in the number of Ukrainian homeless people this autumn.
