Stretch of road near Russian Embassy named after Ukraine capital
Ambassador thanks Westminster one year on from Putin invasion
Friday, 24th February 2023 — By Tom Foot
Council leader Adam Hug with the symbolic Kyiv Road road sign
A SMALL stretch of road has today, Friday, been renamed in honour of the Ukraine capital – on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion.
The Kyiv Road “place name” is in Bayswater Road just outside the Russian embassy.
Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko said: “Kyiv Road is a symbol of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and a tribute to their unwavering spirit in the face of aggression.
“It is a reminder that the struggle of Ukraine has the attention of the international community.”
He added he was grateful for the council and West- minster residents “support in honouring our nation’s capital and its brave defenders”.
It follows a campaign backed by the Ukraine government to get Russian embassy streets renamed in a worldwide effort to “isolate Russia and de-‘Putin-ise’ the world”.
The stretch of road between Palace Court and Ossington Street is so small no resident been charged to change their official address.
It has been funded using Bayswater ward budgets.
The traditional spelling of Kyiv has been used in place of the “Kiev” designation favoured by the Russian government.
Labour councillors in Westminster had been calling for the name change in March when they were in opposition before the May 2022 council elections.
This week the Labour city council leader Adam Hug said: “The request for a new place name has come from the Ukrainian community itself.
“Westminster is home to Ukrainians displaced by the war, and our residents have opened their hearts and their doors to those fleeing Putin’s war machine.
“It’s a small stretch of road, but we want to show the people of Ukraine that their struggle has a visible place in our city.”
Camden Council has renamed a small round-about after an assassinated Russian dissident, Boris Nemtsov.
Residents there were concerned that it could lead to a backlash from Russian president Vladimir Putin’s supporters.
Today (Friday) the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced funding for up-to 600 new homes in London for Ukrainians and Afghans who have fled conflict and are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or living in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
Shortly after the invasion one year ago, reporters at the Extra’s sister paper, Camden New Journal, drove a food aid van to the Poland border with Ukraine filled with donations from readers.
Marble Arch will tonight be lit-up in blue and yellow as the Ukraine flag is hoist aloft Westminster Council’s City Hall in Victoria Street.
