A NATIONAL minute's silence is to be held across the UK to mark one year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UK Government has announced.
Following the visit of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week, ministers have confirmed the moment of reflection will take place at 11am on Friday, February 24.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to lead the nation in silence from Downing Street.
He said: "As we approach the anniversary of Russia’s barbaric and deplorable invasion of Ukraine, as a nation we pay tribute to the incredible bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
"Russia’s unjustifiable attack brought war and destruction to our continent once again, and it has forced millions from their homes and devastated families across Ukraine and Russia.
I am incredibly proud of the UK’s response, and throughout this past year, the UK public have shown their true generosity of spirit and their enduring belief in freedom."
The government is encouraging people and organisations across the UK to participate and pay tribute to the courage of Ukrainians.
Zelenskyy thanked Scots for the support they had shown the people of Ukraine during his surprise visit to the UK last week.
He said: “The people of the United Kingdom and their honourable representatives, all the people of England and Scotland, of Wales and Northern Ireland, of all the lands which have been home to brave souls since Europe came into existence.
"I have come here and stand before you on behalf of the brave, on behalf of our war heroes who are now in the trenches under enemy artillery fire, on behalf of our air gunners, and every defender of the sky who protects Ukraine against enemy aircraft and missiles, on behalf of our tank men who fight to restore our Ukrainian borders, on behalf of our conscripts who are being trained now including here in Britain.
"Thank you, Britain.”
