The first anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine was marked by a minute’s silence across Britain — as the King praised the “remarkable courage and resilience” of Ukraine’s people.
The silence at 11am was part of a series of moments to mark 12 months since the start of the war.
King Charles issued a message to mark the milestone, saying: “It has now been a year that the people of Ukraine have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation. They have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy.
“The world has watched in horror at all the unnecessary suffering inflicted upon Ukrainians, many of whom I have had the great pleasure of meeting here in the UK and, indeed, across the world, from Romania to Canada.
“Earlier this month I met President Zelensky at Buckingham Palace to express my personal support for the people of Ukraine. It is heartening that the United Kingdom, along with its allies, is doing everything possible to help at this most difficult time.
“Therefore, I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid, but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak led a moment of national reflection to commemorate the anniversary. Hailing the bravery of Ukraine’s people who have confounded international expectations by holding out against the Russian onslaught, the Prime Minister urged Western allies to step up military support for Kyiv.
Joined by Ukrainian ambassador Vadym Prystaiko and members of the Ukrainian armed forces in Downing Street, Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty showed solidarity with Ukraine by hanging a blue and yellow wreath on the door of No10.
The UK is the second largest donor of military equipment to Ukraine, having provided £2.3 billion of military support to Kyiv since the war started. It has pledged to match that amount in 2023. The Prime Minister said: “I am proud that the UK has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine through this horrific conflict.
“As I stand with brave Ukrainian soldiers outside Downing Street today, my thoughts will be with all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend freedom and return peace to Europe.”
His comments came as Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the UK could be prepared to help meet Ukraine’s plea for fighter jets by backfilling Western allies like Poland with UK planes.
He told Times Radio: “So the other quick way that Ukraine can benefit from fighter jets is for those countries in Europe that have Russian or Soviet fighter jets and MIG 29s or SU 24s, if they wish to donate we could use our fighter jets to backfill and provide security for them as a result.”
In a further show of support for Ukraine, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced another package of sanctions against Russia, including export bans on hundreds of goods like aircraft parts, radio equipment and electronic components that could help Russia’s military.
Mayor Sadiq Khan was joined by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other London political figures for a church service at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Duke’s Street, Mayfair.
Speaking at the service, Mr Khan said London would not forget Ukraine... “Londoners understand a threat to your democracy is a threat to our democracy.”
Meanwhile Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was in Cardiff to meet members of Ukrainian communities and Ukrainian troops and UK instructors held a sunrise service at Lydd army camp in Kent, and at Westminster Abbey this evening a special service will be held.
