Events were held in London and across the country last weekend to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It’s remarkable how many solidarity events took place around our region. East Anglia Bylines knows of ones in Cambridge, Norwich, Kings Lynn, Ipswich, Milton Keynes, Peterborough and Colchester, with those on Sunday being, in many cases, church events.
Peterborough’s Ukrainian community came together for an event in Cathedral Square that included songs, prayers and a minute’s silence.
A vigil in Ipswich ended with a service in Ipswich Minster.
Norwich had a gathering on the steps of the City Hall. Organiser, Natalia Scott writes that this year, the geography of the participants at the rally is more widespread:
“Not only Ukrainians and English, but also representatives of Lithuania and Azerbaijan. They understand that Ukraine is the shield of Europe and the whole civilised world’s hope. Thank you to everyone for coming out!
A growing sentiment
The theme of “Ukraine as a shield of Europe” was echoed by a demonstration in King’s Parade, Cambridge, organised by the Cambridge University Ukrainian Society. Speakers included one from Hong Kong, who drew a parallel between Russia’s treatment of Ukraine and China’s of his special administrative region. Lead organiser, Diana Shypovych, spoke of her childhood curiosity that was ended prematurely by Russian occupation in an earlier phase of hostilities.
Paul Browne of Cambridge for Europe asked whether we wanted Europe’s and Ukraine’s future to be decided by Putin and Trump — a thought that must surely be echoed widely across the continent. Dr Olenka Pevny led a minute’s silence for the victims of the war.
It was a grim silence. Perhaps it was a puzzled silence. Everyone there will have heard the news of the apparent change in the United States’ position regarding the conflict.
By the time you read this, President Trump’s meetings in the Oval Office with both Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s will have come and gone. The uncertainty and concern will remain.
NOTE. Apologies to Paul Browne, whose affiliation was misreported in an earlier version of this article.
