Huge Ukrainian flag unfurled at Preston anniversary event

The banner is believed to be the largest Ukrainian flag in the UK

A huge Ukrainian flag has been unfurled during a Preston event to mark two years since Russia's invasion.

More than a hundred people turned out in the city centre, including refugees who have settled in Lancashire after war broke out on 24 February 2022.

Organisers from local Ukrainian communities said they wanted to remind people that the war was still continuing.

Lancaster University student Ivan Taran said: "People keep dying."

He said the flag, which reflects a blue sky over golden wheat fields, was believed to be the largest Ukrainian flag in the UK.

"It is not just a symbolic element of the event - it is our own way to help our country," he added.

"While [the UK] is safe and very helpful, people keep forgetting the war goes on."

Viktoriia Murych and Ivan Taran were among a number of Ukrainians at the event

Viktoriia Murych, who moved to Preston as a refugee, said: "The war in Ukraine divided my life and the lives of most Ukrainians into a 'before and after'.

"Despite that, we are happy and safe here in this country and we are extremely grateful to the British people."

The war in Ukraine has largely been at a stalemate in recent months, although Russia has appeared to make recent advances.

UK political leaders recently reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak saying Britain was prepared to do "whatever it takes" as he pledged nearly £250m towards producing artillery shells.