York: Hundreds attend Ukraine vigil on anniversary day of war

The Ukrainian National Anthem was sung at the vigil

Hundreds of people attended a vigil at York Minster to mark two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The York Ukraine Together choir sang traditional Ukrainian songs at the service, which also included readings and prayers led by York Minster's Canon Maggie McLean and a music performance.

The Ukrainian National Anthem was also sung following a two-minute silence.

Labour MP for York Central Rachel Maskell said the city had "opened its hearts to the people of Ukraine."

"We have stood strong together throughout this time and supported so many people through the joy they are having here in this city but also through the pain they are having," she added.

Several Ukrainian refugees from the conflict who have settled in York attended the service, including Svitlana Kucher from Kyiv.

She said she had attended "to pray for peace".

Svitlana Kucher says her family members are fighting in the conflict

"We left our house because it was really dangerous," said Ms Kucher,

"My mum is still in Kyiv and my brothers are still [fighting] in the war.

"Every day, every night, we are waiting for news that the war has ended."

Maryana Mukha from the York Ukrainian Society urged people not to "forget" the conflict.

"We need to fight and stand strong," she added.

"We are very keen to win this war very soon. Let's just hope and pray."

Canon McLean said York would continue to "stand in solidarity" with the people of Ukraine.

"We haven't forgotten them," she added.