Hundreds of people gathered in central London to protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Many of the protesters in Trafalgar Square have friends and relatives in Ukraine, some of whom have vowed to stay in their home country, but others are trying to get out.
The protesters sang the Ukrainian national anthem and chanted: “Stop Putin, stop the war.”
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Many of those at the protests have friends and family in Ukraine
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They carried placards saying “Putin terrorist” and “Protect Ukraine, save Europe”, and many were draped in the blue and yellow national flag of Ukraine.
The rally began with a prayer led by Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the papal nuncio to Great Britain, who said: “Today we are all Ukrainians.”
Protester Natalya Courtney told Sky News: “My mother and stepdad are still in Sumy [Ukraine].
“For the last two days it has been bombed and artillery shelled, people can’t escape because their town is surrounded now, there’s nowhere to go.”
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The Russian president ordered troops into Ukraine 10 days ago
Key developments:
• Russia declares ceasefire in two areas to allow humanitarian corridors out of Mariupol and Volnovakha
• Zelenskyy warns ‘weak’ NATO will be partly responsible for fatalities as it fails to impose no-fly zone
• Boris Johnson says Putin sees no way out ‘except to continue destruction’
• ‘Highly likely’ four Ukrainian cities ‘encircled by Russian forces’ – MoD
• Haas Formula One team cuts ties with Russian sponsor Uralkali and driver Nikita Mazepin
She added: “My mum texted me to say they’re bombing again…it has been two hours, I’m still waiting to hear back from my mum to see if she’s still alive.
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Religious leaders prayed for peace in Ukraine
“To be fair, that’s been how it was for my family for a week.
“Every evening I say good night and goodbye to her and every morning we’re just waking up and hoping she answers again.”
Her children Alicia and Genevieve said they wanted to attend the protest to “show people that what Putin’s doing is wrong”.
A young man at the protest said: “Yesterday I was on a call with my grandparents and our call was stopped by sirens.
“So far they haven’t started bombing there or anything and they’re relatively alright compared to anybody on the frontlines.”
London protester breaks down as she talks about her parents who are still in Ukraine dealing with “bombing” and tells us that she is still waiting on a reply from her mother to “see if she is alive.”https://t.co/X3flQUBL0r
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Demonstrators unfurled a giant banner on the steps of the National Gallery reading: “When the last Ukrainian soldier falls, Putin will come for you ladies and gents.”
Russia invaded Ukraine 10 days ago and its troops continue to attack many of the cities, fighting against fierce resistance from Ukrainians.
It was one of two protests planned this weekend in London, with similar rallies already taking place in Edinburgh, Manchester, and across the world.
https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-invasion-protesters-gather-in-londons-trafalgar-square-in-show-of-solidarity-with-ukrainian-people-12558111
