A teenage refugee from the conflict in Ukraine received a standing ovation from county councillors after delivering a moving speech about fleeing the Russian invasion.

Vladyslav Sadovoi wiped tears from his eyes as he spoke how his mother woke him at 5am on February 24, 2022, with the words: “The war has started.”

The Dartford Grammar School student told how the family was faced with an “impossible choice” - to stay or seek safety abroad.

They ended up in Meopham, hosted by a family under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

But ‘Vlad’ said his good fortune is tinged with guilt as other children are “deprived of the opportunity to live under a peaceful sky”.

Members of all political parties, some in tears themselves, instantly rose to their feet and applauded the 18-year-old’s speech on Thursday (July 18) during which he paused several times to compose himself.

Family friend, Gravesend pub landlady Iris Smith, sat beside him throughout while supporters, including his twin sister, watched above from the public gallery.

Kent County Council chairman Cllr Bryan Sweetland left his chair to hug him as the chamber at County Hall echoed to the sound of applause.

Vlad had written the speech himself in near perfect English which started with the line: “I stand before you today as a Ukrainian who has found a second home in the UK over the past two years and two months.”

He went on: “My mother was faced with an impossible choice: stay in a war-torn country or seek safety for her children.

“With two 15-year-old children - my twin sister and me - and a grandmother who had mobility problems, this decision was very difficult.”

He paid tribute to his new host family, Cllr Jordan Meade - who has made several dangerous humanitarian missions to Ukraine since the conflict began - Iris and the “countless other people who did not stand aside”.

Vlad told members: “I would like to emphasise that we, like many Ukrainians here, are not just seeking refuge and benefits. We are actively contributing to society. My mother, a qualified cardiologist with many years of experience, had to leave her career as a doctor for the safety of her family.

“But our challenges were far from over. I found myself caught between two worlds: attending an English school and at the same time pursuing a Ukrainian education online.

“It was an exhausting experience, but it taught me resilience and determination.”

Vald said he was “deeply grateful” for the opportunity to win a place at Dartford Grammar School where he is studying for an International Baccalaureate.

“However, this gratitude is tinged with guilt. Millions of Ukrainian children are deprived of the opportunity to live under a peaceful sky.”

He said the recent attack on a children’s hospital “reminds us who we are at war with”.

“Russians,” Vlad said, “do not even spare children with cancer, who are already fighting for their lives. The Kremlin’s goal is to destroy Ukraine and intimidate the entire world.”

He paid tribute to KCC’s support to the people of Chernihiv, where some of his wider family reside and who still live under constant bombardment and unprovoked Russian aggression.

Iris, who runs Milton Road-based TJ’s pub with partner Tom, said: “Isn’t he a remarkable young man? How many times do you see a standing ovation at Kent County Council?

“Vlad went through several drafts writing that speech because he is a perfectionist. He tells me that he finds it hard to express his emotions in English. But I think he did more than all right today.”

Members unanimously passed a motion to maintain and strengthen cooperation with Ukraine.