- Written by Andre Roden-Pohl and Jessica Ure, at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
- bbc news
People marched from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square
Hundreds of Ukrainian supporters marched through central London to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Demonstrators gathered at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park and then walked to Trafalgar Square for the vigil.
Many wore Ukrainian flags and some held placards urging Russia to “stop the war.”
At least 10,582 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, according to the United Nations.
As demonstrators walked through the streets, some chanted “We stand with Ukraine” and women wore traditional Ukrainian wreaths on their heads.
“It was very difficult because I didn’t know how long I would have to leave and leave my husband behind,” said Natalia Rushinko, who left her husband to come to Britain to fight with the Russian army.
“It was a difficult decision because my friends were still there and they were the only friends I had,” said daughter Anna.
A multifaith church service was also held at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London.
The Right Reverend Kenneth Nowakowski, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United Kingdom, said: “We too must focus on two things today. First, we must ensure that this war is not just a ceasefire, but a victory.” I hope it ends with justice and peace.” . ”
The church described Saturday’s events in London and across the UK as “of vital importance” calling on “all peoples to come together and unite across nations against aggression”.
In a touching touch, paper angels will be hung on the balcony of a Catholic cathedral in Ukraine, one for each of the 528 Ukrainian children killed during the conflict, according to Ukrainian authorities. Ta.
Many of the guests wore blue and yellow ribbons and sunflowers, symbols of peace and resilience, and some held Ukrainian flags.
Crowds held vigil in Trafalgar Square
As of February 20 this year, over 252,600 UK visas had been issued to Ukrainians under the Ukrainian Family, Ukrainian Extension and Ukrainian House schemes. Thousands of people arrived in London.
Irina Terlekyi, from the Ukrainian Association Supporting Arrivals, told the BBC: “People are very emotional. Many of them have experienced unimaginable trauma. Some people have become internally displaced persons.”
Housing Minister Felicity Buchan, who attended the service, told BBC London: “Now is the time to say tyranny will never win, and we will stand with Ukraine today and tomorrow.”
“We will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to support Ukraine.”
“I will forever be grateful to the British people for hosting us,” Lushinko said of the British people who supported Ukraine and agreed to take in the refugees.
Paper angels commemorating the 528 children killed since the Russian invasion
According to figures verified by the United Nations, 10,582 Ukrainians have been killed and 19,875 injured since February 24, 2022, although the real number is likely to be significantly higher.