London Ukraine march attracts hundreds calling for peace

People marched from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square

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

Demonstrators gathered at Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park before walking to Trafalgar Square for a vigil.

Many were draped in Ukrainian flags and some held signs urging Russia to "stop the war".

At least 10,582 civilians have died in Ukraine since Russia's invasion began in February 2022, according to the UN.

As demonstrators walked through the streets, some shouted "stand with Ukraine" and women wore traditional Ukrainian wreaths on their heads.

Nataliia Rusinko, who came to the UK leaving her husband to fight against Russian forces, said: "It was very hard because I didn't know for how long I would have to leave, and to leave my husband behind".

Her daughter Anna said: "It was a hard decision because my friends were still there and they were my only friends that I had."

• Two years into Russia's invasion, exhausted Ukrainians refuse to give up

• UK reaffirms Ukraine support on war anniversary

• King says Ukraine faces 'indescribable aggression'

A multi-faith church service also took place at London's Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral.

Bishop for Ukrainian Catholics in Great Britain, the Right Reverend Kenneth Nowakowski said: "We also today have to focus on two things. First of all hope that this war will come to an end, not just a ceasefire but a victory and peace with justice."

The Church called the events being held in London and across the UK on Saturday "vital" in calling "for all to stand in solidarity, united across nations against aggression".

In a poignant touch, paper angels hung from the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral's balcony - one for each of the 528 Ukrainian children killed during the conflict, according to Ukrainian authorities.

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

Crowds held a vigil in Trafalgar Square

As of 20 February this year, more than 252,600 UK visas have been issued to Ukrainians under 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, told the BBC: "People are very emotional. Many of them have lived through unimaginable trauma.

"Some of them have been internally displaced in Ukraine three or four times."

Speaking to BBC London, Housing Minister Felicity Buchan, who attended the service, said: "This is the moment to affirm tyranny will never win and we will stand by Ukraine today and tomorrow.

"We will do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to support Ukraine."

Paper angels marking the 528 children killed since the Russian invasion

Ms Rusinko speaking of those in the UK who have supported Ukraine and agreed to take in refugees, she said: "I will forever be very grateful to the British people for taking us in."

Two children - Sofia, nine, and Katia, 12 - attended the demonstration alongside their mothers.

Sofia told the BBC she remembers the trauma of fleeing Kyiv two years ago, and Katia recalls escaping the southern city of Kherson when it was occupied by Russian troops.

Sofia said: "When we were driving, something exploded right next to us and I felt scared, so my mum said it was just some fireworks. Later on, when we were already in safety, she told me it had been Russian shelling."

Katia from Kherson said: "At 4am my mum said that the war had started. I didn't know what to do, what the war was, and I didn't believe it".

She packed her belongings and was told that she could not take her dog with her.

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

Both now in the UK, the girls say they are grateful to the country for its support.

Since 24 February 2022 10,582 Ukrainians have been killed and 19,875 injured according to figures verified by the UN - with the actual numbers likely to be significantly higher.

Additional reporting by Olga Malchevska.

Sofia, nine, and Katia, 12, draped in Ukrainian flags in London

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]