London Ukraine march attracts a whole bunch calling for peace

Hundreds of Ukraine supporters have marched by central London to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbour.

Demonstrators gathered at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park earlier than walking to Trafalgar Square for a vigil.

Many have been draped in Ukrainian flags and a few held indicators urging Russia to “cease the battle”.

At least 10,582 civilians have died in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion started in February 2022, in accordance with the UN.

As demonstrators walked by the streets, some shouted “stand with Ukraine” and girls wore conventional Ukrainian wreaths on their heads.

Nataliia Rusinko, who got here to the UK leaving her husband to battle in opposition to Russian forces, stated: “It was very arduous as a result of I did not know for a way lengthy I must go away, and to go away my husband behind”.

Her daughter Anna stated: “It was a tough choice as a result of my mates have been nonetheless there and so they have been my solely mates that I had.”

A multi-faith church service additionally took place at London’s Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral.

Bishop for Ukrainian Catholics in Great Britain, the Right Reverend Kenneth Nowakowski stated: “We additionally at the moment must deal with two issues. First of all hope that this battle will come to an finish, not only a ceasefire however a victory and peace with justice.”

The Church referred to as the occasions being held in London and throughout the UK on Saturday “very important” in calling “for all to face in solidarity, united throughout nations in opposition to aggression”.

In a poignant contact, paper angels hung from the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral’s balcony – one for every of the 528 Ukrainian kids killed throughout the battle, in accordance with Ukrainian authorities.

Many of the visitors wore blue and yellow ribbons or sunflowers, a logo of peace and resilience, with others carrying Ukrainian flags.

As of 20 February this 12 months, greater than 252,600 UK visas have been issued to Ukrainians below the Ukraine Family, Ukraine Extension and Home for Ukraine schemes. Thousands have arrived in London.

Iryna Terlecky, from the Association of Ukrainians who helps the arrivals, instructed the BBC: “People are very emotional. Many of them have lived by unimaginable trauma.

“Some of them have been internally displaced in Ukraine three or 4 instances.”

Speaking to BBC London, Housing Minister Felicity Buchan, who attended the service, stated: “This is the second to affirm tyranny won’t ever win and we are going to stand by Ukraine at the moment and tomorrow.

“We will do no matter it takes, for so long as it takes to assist Ukraine.”

Ms Rusinko talking of these within the UK who’ve supported Ukraine and agreed to absorb refugees, she stated: “I’ll ceaselessly be very grateful to the British individuals for taking us in.”

Two kids – Sofia, 9, and Katia, 12 – attended the demonstration alongside their moms.

Sofia instructed the BBC she remembers the trauma of fleeing Kyiv two years in the past, and Katia remembers escaping the southern metropolis of Kherson when it was occupied by Russian troops.

“At 4am my mum stated that the battle had began. I did not know what to do, what the battle was, and I did not imagine it”, stated Katia.

She packed her belongings and was instructed that she couldn’t take her canine together with her.

Later, she found that her grandfather had been killed, with Russian troops blamed for his dying.

Both now within the UK, the women say they’re grateful to the nation for its assist.

“When we have been driving, one thing exploded proper subsequent to us and I felt scared, so my mum stated it was just a few fireworks. Later on, once we have been already in security, she instructed me it had been Russian shelling.”

Since 24 February 2022 10,582 Ukrainians have been killed and 19,875 injured in accordance with figures verified by the UN – with the precise numbers more likely to be considerably greater.

Additional reporting by Olga Malchevska.