The UK is taking part in a national one minute silence today to mark the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
On February 24, 2022, Vladamir Putin launched a full-scale invasion in the biggest escalation of the Russia-Ukrainian war, which began in 2014. Since then, the conflict continues to result in countless deaths, destroyed villages and displaced refugees.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will lead the nation in the moment of solidarity from Downing street on Friday at 11 am. The government is urging all British organisations and individuals to take part, which can be done so anywhere in private or in the company of others.
The Scottish Governmnet tweeted: "Today at 11am, there will be a national one minute silence to mark the anniversary of the war against Ukraine. The moment will pay tribute to the bravery of Ukrainians and show solidarity with the country."
The Prime Minister previously met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who visited UK earlier this month for the first time since the war began.
Speaking on the situation, Mr Sunak 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."
On Thursday, February 24, thousands of Ukrainian supporters took part in a vigil at London's Leicester Square, where actress Dame Helen Mirren led an emotional reading of the Ukrainian poem "Take Only What is Most Important". The UK's Defence Decretary Ben Wallace also spoke at the event, commending Ukrainian troops as "the bravest of the brave".
Since Putin's invasion began, millions of Ukrainians have been forced from their homes with 114,400 finding refuge in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. Of that number, Scotland has taken in 21,000 displaced Ukrainians, according to the Scottish Refugee Council.
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