Ukraine and the War - 23/01/23

Irvine Seagate Rotary’s speaker on Monday was Oleksandr Tonkikh, who evacuated from the conflict area of eastern Ukraine and is currently in Ayrshire with his wife and baby.  Oleksandr gave a general presentation on Ukraine, giving an insight into the agricultural heartland, the Carpathian mountains in the east, major rivers cities and culture of the country.  He also talked about how families are supporting each other from inside and outside the country, and how the random Russian attacks affect the population.  His flat was only 100 metres from a rocket strike that destroyed an apartment block.  Prior to the invasion Oleksandr was a senior logistics manager for a large ethical agricultural producer and distributor, and he is trying to find work in Scotland.   There were many questions, and a Vote of Thanks was proposed by President Hugh Hutchison.

It was noted that so far six schools have confirmed that they will take part in the Rotary Primary Schools Quiz, which will be held in the Fullarton Hub on Friday 24 March.