Ukrainian ocean rowers thank city supporters

A current and former soldier who rowed for more than two months across the Atlantic have praised Plymouth's Ukrainian community for its support of them.

Dmytro Rezvoy and Ivan Havrylko began their challenge in Plymouth in December, before finishing in Barbados in February, and returning to Plymouth last week.

Mr Rezvoy, a former Ukrainian soldier, said: "We found a lot of Ukrainian friends in Plymouth... I don't have words for my feelings."

Ukrainian Space Plymouth volunteer David Slater said the pair had helped inspire the people from the country who live in the city.

Mr Slater said the group's members were "glued" to social media during the trip.

"Our sizeable local community of Ukrainians has actively supported this expedition, not least because it so clearly demonstrates the bravery and steely determination of Ukraine's defenders", he said.

"We are proud to have done at least a little in this 'Ocean City' to support not just the actual voyage but the aim, which is to raise awareness of, and support for, facial reconstruction surgery of Ukrainian defenders."

The pair raised money for the Faces of Heroes project, and met Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, in London on Friday.

Mr Rezvoy said "time went very quickly" despite spending 67 days at sea.

"Maybe we'll go to another ocean next time," he joked.

Reflecting on the fighting between Russia and Ukraine and attempts for a peace deal, Mr Rezvoy said: "People must remember at all times how many people die every day in Ukraine.

"Don't forget about us."

Mr Havrylko, a current soldier, said he was very appreciative of the support.

"A big, big thank you to the people of the UK," he said.

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