Departing Ukrainian refugee says she has 'mixed feelings' about UK after being dumped by Brit who left partner for her

4 October 2022, 07:56

Sofiia has left Ukraine after breaking up with Tony Garnett
Sofiia has left Ukraine after breaking up with Tony Garnett. Picture: Instagram/@sonya_dobrvlsk

By Will Taylor

A 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee who moved in with a Brit that left his partner for her has moved out of the UK after their relationship broke down.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Sofiia Karkadym was dumped by Tony Garnett five months after she fled her war-torn country.

Their relationship caused a storm after it emerged Mr Garnett left his partner of 10 years, Lorna, after growing close to Sofiia during late night TV viewings and trips to the gym.

Mr Garnett had moved her into their home as Ukrainians fled Vladimir Putin's invasion in the early stages of the war.

But he later broke up with her after five months that saw him release a rap to set out his side of events and embark on a war of words with Lorna through the media.

Ms Karkadym told The Sun: "I am going back to Ukraine because of the situation with me and Tony here in England.

"I need some support from my family and because I have not seen them for six months. I need to go for myself and to look after myself.

"Also my grandmother celebrated her 70th birthday recently and I want to see all of them."

Sofiia said she has mixed feelings about the UK
Sofiia said she has mixed feelings about the UK. Picture: Instagram/@sonya_dobrvlsk

Mr Garnett drove her to Manchester Airport a week after ending their relationship.

Ms Karkadym flew to Wroclaw, Poland, and then caught a bus to her family in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

She said she had mixed emotions about her time in the UK, saying he had a "very good impression' of Brits and was grateful for the way people were willing to help her and other Ukrainians.

But she said she didn't "expect all of the public reaction, which was difficult".

She is unsure what her next steps will be but will decide after spending time with loved ones.

Mr Garnett, a father-of-two, had dumped her by text after saying he had problems with her and has rejected her attempts to get the pair back together.

Read more: Heartbroken refugee to return to Ukraine after being dumped by Brit boyfriend who left his family for her

"I'm not heartless. I do feel sorry for her. But relationships do come to an end and this one is over.

"I hope we can be friends when all this hysteria has died down.

"I talked to her last night and told her that there was absolutely no chance of us getting back together.

"Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. She'll be much better off in Ukraine or if she gets a new relationship, good luck to her."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

People continue their daily life under difficult conditions at Jabalia Refugee Camp, located in the north of the Gaza Strip, as they struggle to survive among the rubble of buildings destroyed by Israeli attacks

Judge lets Gazan family settle in UK under scheme for Ukrainian refugees, sparking fears of 'floodgates opening'

John Tuckett

Labour's new borders watchdog 'to work from home in Finland', 1,200 miles from London

President Donald Trump speaks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump doubles down on pledge to 'take over Gaza', as Netanyahu threatens return to war if Israeli hostages not freed

The Princess of Wales, Patron of Action for Children, during a visit to a mother and baby unit inside HMP Styal in Wilmslow

Kate met with wolf-whistles and cries for 'more funding' as she visits women's prison

Domestic cat balancing on garden fence, Bavaria, Germany, Europe

Police hunt mystery cat coiffeur after felines in rural Lincolnshire village return home missing patches of fur

Liam Payne and Maya Henry

Liam Payne 'smoked heroin and sexted fans': Bombshell revelations as ex-fiancee breaks silence on star's death

Exclusive
Bridget Phillipson has said Yvette Cooper will 'make sure' vetting of Metropolitan Police officers is 'overhauled'

Home secretary will ensure 'overhaul' of Met vetting process following controversial High Court ruling, Phillipson says

Exclusive
James Cleverly

James Cleverly slams 'Orwellian' assisted dying bill as High Court judge sign-off to be scrapped

The Church of England's governing body has voted against a fully independent safeguarding body

Church of England vote 'a punch in the gut for victims' as Synod rejects independent safeguarding

Oliver Ryan and Andrew Gwynne have been suspended

Eleven Labour councillors suspended for being part of offensive WhatsApp group after two MPs also punished

A major travel agent has urged families to go on holiday during Easter rather than the summer

Save thousands by going on holiday at Easter instead of summer, British families told

Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to tear up the ceasefire deal

Netanyahu’s ultimatum to Hamas: Return hostages by Saturday deadline or ceasefire gives way to 'intense fighting'

Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney were in attendance at Denis Law's funeral

Stars pay final respects to Denis Law as Manchester United legend laid to rest

Strangers bar is to reopen following spiking allegation

MPs bar to reopen with extra security after spiking claims

The bodies of Andrew Searle and his wife Dawn were discovered by a neighbour

Post-mortem results reveal fatal injuries of British couple found dead at home in rural French village

Salman Rushdie gives evidence in court as author gives evidence against alleged knife attacker

Salman Rushdie gives evidence in court as author gives evidence against alleged knife attacker