Challenges and Choices for Ukrainian Asylum Seekers in the UK

The White House has played down reports that Donald Trump privately encouraged Volodymyr Zelensky to strike targets deep inside Russia, including Moscow and St Petersburg. That's despite the US president's promise to deliver more weapons to Ukraine via NATO allies, and a new threat of secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. So is his administration's approach to Russia changing?

Also, we hear about the more than 250,000 Ukrainians who came to the UK under schemes granting them special protections in the first three years of war. With their initial permission to stay running out, many must now make difficult choices about whether to try and claim asylum or renew their existing status on a shorter-term basis. We speak to Oleksandra, who has seen her asylum application refused, and her lawyer Halyna Semchak, who is challenging government policy on the issue.

Today’s episode is presented by Jamie Coomarasamy and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus, Polly Hope and Nick Sturdee. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Bridget Harney. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 123 9480

You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast’s Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord

The UK Home Office Statement in Full:

“We are fully committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s illegal war, while also providing a safe and secure haven for those fleeing the conflict. We have offered our extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families.

"The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme enables those with permission to remain in the United Kingdom under one of the existing Ukraine schemes to apply for a further 18 months. This allows a continuation of rights to work, live and study as well as access to healthcare and welfare support in the UK.”

Background:

- Our offer of temporary sanctuary is in line with the Ukrainian government’s strong desire for the future return of its citizens, and does not lead to settlement. Other routes are available for those wishing to settle permanently in the UK. - All asylum claims are considered on their individual facts and merits. - The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme provides a further 18 months permission to remain in the UK and a continuation of rights to work, live and study as well as access to healthcare and welfare support in the UK. - The 28-day window for applications to be submitted allows sufficient time for operational planning, to provide biometric enrolment capacity, and deliver the most efficient service for customers. Those who apply before their current permission expires will retain the conditions of their current visa while their application is under consideration, enabling them to continue to exercise their rights to work, study, and live in the UK. - Ukrainians who wish to seek specific advice regarding their individual circumstances may also wish to consider contacting a solicitor at: Find legal advice and information - Gov.uk (www.gov.uk/find-legal-advice) or an immigration adviser at Find an immigration advisor – Gov.uk (www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser). Immigration support is also available from Citizens Advice which provides independent advice in person, online or on the phone - ([http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk)/]www.citizensadvice.org.uk)/ - The UK Government continues to keep the Ukraine Schemes and the evolving situation in Ukraine under active review