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Nottingham Ukraine Solidarity Campaign (NUSC) held a vigil in support of Ukraine to mark four years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
On Tuesday evening, members of the Nottingham community gathered at Speakers’ Corner for a vigil in solidarity with Ukraine. Attendees included local Ukrainian families from AUGB (Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain) Nottingham Branch, the Mayor of Gedling Kyle Robinson-Payne, representatives of the Ukrainian Society at the University of Nottingham and members of the local community, with more than 200 people in attendance.
People sang the State Anthem of Ukraine during a candlelit ceremony to remember the victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine and to highlight the ongoing suffering of the people of Ukraine. Specific attention was drawn to the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children. Many have lost their lives, while others have been forcibly deported to Russia.
Mayor of Gedling, Kyle Robinson-Payne, said: “Four years have passed since the illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“For many of us this war has unfolded through our televisions, through news reports and images viewed from the comfort and safety of our own homes. Night after night we’ve witnessed destruction, suffering and the heart-break of the situation so frequently that there is a danger these scenes begin to feel normal, but we must never allow that to happen. For the people of Ukraine there is nothing normal about this reality.
“Today we remember those who have fallen, we think of the men and the women who have not returned to their loved ones, the families forever changed, the lives cut tragically short. Their sacrifices are immeasurable and their bravery beyond words. Let us be clear, those defending Ukraine are not only fighting for their own sovereignty but they are defending freedom, democracy and the rule of law, the principles that underpin peace and stability across Europe.
“We owe Ukraine and its people a profound debt of gratitude, not the other way round.”
Branch Chair of the Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural Centre, Michael Holod, said: “Tonight, we gather in candlelight not only to mourn, but to remember. Four years ago, Russia launched its full-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine, an act of aggression by a terrorist state that continues to bring suffering, destruction, and unimaginable loss. Among its darkest crimes is the systematic abduction of Ukrainian children. These children are not statistics, they are sons and daughters, children stolen from their homes, taken across borders, stripped of their language, their identity and their history. Told to forget who they are and used as instruments of empire.
“These are atrocities, crimes against humanity. Four years on, words from democratic nations are not enough, statements do not bring children home and hesitation does not deliver justice. Silence helps the aggressor.
“That is why we are here. Because pressure begins with people and with communities who refuse to look away. Every child must come home.”
Yulia from the Ukrainian Society at the University of Nottingham said: “The 24th of February 2022 is a day deeply engraved in the breaking hearts of millions of Ukrainians, and a day generations of us will never be able to forget. It is very difficult to accept that four years have passed since that day, and it is impossible to turn back time and undo all the damage that has been dealt to our beautiful country.”
Referencing the time since she moved to the UK three and a half years ago, she added:
“I feel immensely grateful to this country, to its government and citizens for all the help and support for Ukrainian people in such dark times.
“I often see the western world’s demonstration of empathy and support in times when I simply feel speechless about these things and it is incredibly cherished and important.”
Milena, also from the University of Nottingham Ukrainian Society, added: “The UK has been a wonderful ally throughout the full-scale invasion and even with changing prime ministers has not failed to help us protect our values. Only today the UK introduced 300 new sanctions against Russia with a key focus on banning the export of oil, these sanctions have been the largest since the beginning few months of the invasion and will continue to shatter Russia’s already collapsing economy.”
Cade Morgan, a humanitarian volunteer, said: “For four years Ukrainians have experienced sirens, explosions, ruined cities and muddy trenches. For Ukrainians there have been four years of fighting so that the future may be brighter than the past. Ukrainians are soldiers today so that their children may be artists tomorrow. Doctors, teachers, poets, athletes and people from all walks of life hold rifles in their hands so that they can go back to living in peace in a free Ukraine. For those four years they have fought for that hope for tomorrow, and one day tomorrow will come.”
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Nottingham Ukraine Solidarity Campaign 