Two Sheffield Labour councillors are travelling to Ukraine next week in a show of solidarity with the war-torn country. 

Matt Dwyer, and Mark Rusling, who represent Birling and Shiregreen & Brightside respectively, will be visiting Lviv, Ukraine, from March 14 to 17, learning about the culture of the country as well as the impact of the war on civilians. 

Coun Dwyer, described the trip, which is self-funded by himself and Coun Rusling, as “a mix of culture and also meeting some people.”

He said: “It seems an important thing to do, but also a very interesting thing to do to build those links of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

“When we’re out there, we’re meeting councillors and the Deputy Mayor of Lviv but part of this is also going to rehabilitation centers and meeting civilians and veterans that are being injured in the war, looking at prosthetics and their rehabilitation, as well as learning about the history of this part of the country.”

The trip comes in the wake of conflicting western opinions on continuing to support Ukraine. 

Although Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that “European unity at an extremely high level not seen for a long time” when reiterating his support for Ukraine, the US has suspended intelligence sharing with the country, as the Trump administration reviews “all aspects of this relationship,” according to National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. 

Coun Dwyer said that the trip could get “pulled” if the global situation gets worse.

He said: “It’s quite far away from the front line, and it’s a city that was used in the initial 2022 Russian invasion as a safe passage out. I’ve heard through work and various other things, many stories of people traveling there to get Ukrainians out and get into safety and sanctuary in the UK.”