Ukrainian women weave camouflage nets for army

The Ukrainian women send the nets, alongside care packages, to their home country

A group of Ukrainian women living in the UK are contributing to their army's efforts by weaving camouflage nets.

Newcastle's Ukrainian community has been weaving the nets, which have all been sent to the front line, since war with Russia broke out in 2022.

Meeting to weave is a chance for the women, many of whom are beyond retirement age, to socialise and combat loneliness.

Nataliya Sloutenko, who arrived from Kyiv last year, said she was "grateful" she could help the soldiers back home.

Nets have been sent to Ukraine to assist soldiers

Weaving gives the women a chance to speak in their own language, sing traditional songs and share Ukrainian food with each other.

"It unites us as we speak our language here," continued Ms Sloutenko. "We communicate and being part of this community helps me, as I know we're going our bit to help soldiers in Ukraine."

Made from gardening net and strips of fabric from charity shops, the nets have been sent as part of care packages, which also contain medical essentials, small gifts for children and knitted socks for amputees.

Nataliya Sloutenko arrived in the UK in 2023 after leaving Kyiv

Lesya Bourn, who helps organise the meetings at Newcastle's Polish Centre, spoke about the importance of the project, both for the women and Ukraine.

"Everyone is on their own front line and our front line is here," said Ms Bourn.

"Being with your people and speaking your own language means that for a second you may switch off from thinking about what's going on back home."