Ukrainian community in London pay tribute to people who lost lives in war

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – As Friday marks the first anniversary of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, a commemoration ceremony was held outside the Ukrainian Embassy in London to pay tribute to the people of Ukraine who lost their lives due to the battle.

Demonstrators marched following a memorial service in front of the St. Volodymyr statue, holding Ukrainian flags and banners reading "Save Ukrainian children," "Stop killing Ukrainians," "Stop kidnapping our children," and "Expel Russia from the UN" as well as photographs of the war.

Many Christian clergies also participated in the ceremony, where those who lost their lives in the war were remembered, prayers were offered, and hymns were sung.

In his speech, Vadym Prystaiko, the Ukrainian ambassador in London, thanked all the nations that supported his country in its fight against Russia and said "the West now realizes the threat posed by Russia."

A tribute in Holland Park Avenue consisted of dozens of toys attached to the railings, each representing a child who lost their life in the conflict. The toys, including teddy bears and dolls were placed by members of the Ukrainian community in London and passersby who wanted to pay their respect.

The display attracted a great deal of attention from people walking by, with many stopping to take photos and leaving messages of support.

Meanwhile, on Feb. 23, a group of activists poured hundreds of liters of yellow and blue paint onto the road outside the Russian Embassy in London, creating a massive Ukrainian flag as a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine.

The campaign group Led By Donkeys, known for their high-profile activism and political stunts, stopped traffic as they used wheelbarrows and brushes to spread more than 300 liters of paint across the road, creating a 500-square-meter (5,382-square-foot) Ukrainian flag.

Russia launched what it calls "a special military operation" in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. It has so far resulted in the death of at least 8,006 civilians and 13,287 injuries, according to the latest UN figures.​​​​​​​