The Spectator

Portrait of the week: Russian forces move in on Kiev

issue 19 March 2022

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More than 100,000 people registered interest in giving a place in their homes for Ukrainian refugees under a government scheme, after widespread criticism of bureaucratic obstacles, though refugees would still require a visa. The scheme was the responsibility of Michael Gove, the Levelling Up Secretary; asked if he would take in a refugee, he said: ‘Without going into my personal circumstances, there are a couple of things I need to sort out – but, yes.’ He thought it might be an idea to lodge refugees in oligarchs’ empty properties. Anarchists occupied a house in Belgrave Square belonging to Oleg Deripaska; four were arrested.

Roman Abramovich was sanctioned and his assets were frozen; Chelsea football club was allowed to function under licence and anyone interested in buying it was invited to contact the government. An appeal by the UK Disasters Emergency Committee to help Ukrainians raised £150 million in a week.

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