Hundreds of people gathered on Friday in Sheffield’s Peace Gardens to mark the first anniversary of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A ceremony in the Winter Gardens was held beforehand to commemorate the 487 children who have died in the conflict so far.
Ukrainian artist Anna Musiienko created hundreds of resin angel in the colours of the Ukraine flag which were hung on a Tree of Remembrance to symbolise the children who lives have been lost.
Mayna Krasnova moved to Sheffield from Kiev with her two children eight months ago leaving her husband behind to fight.
She said: “We could literally see and hear all the explosions in the South through our windows and from our balcony. It was too traumatising for my kids and for me as well. I wanted to save them and find a safer place for us. “
Mrs Krasnova said she is looking forward to the day when her family can reunite again. She said “You can’t describe with proper words how awful it is. It can’t fit in your brain, it’s really like a nightmare. So hopefully, fingers crossed, soon it will end.”
Labour MP for Sheffield, Paul Blomfield attended the vigil and gave a speech to those gathered.
He spoke of the longstanding relationship between Donbas and Sheffield, cities both built on coal and steel.
Mr Blomfield said: “As we remember the invasion a year ago we should also remember that the people of Eastern Ukraine have been suffering at the forces of Putin and his provocation within that area for over eight years now.”
Sheffield City Council were the first in the UK to declare themselves a ‘City of Sanctuary’ back in 2007 and they worked alongside The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain to organise the memorial event.
There was music and speeches from several Ukrainians who have found refuge in Sheffield over the past twelve months which reflected the wide-reaching loss and devastation caused by the war in Ukraine.
Alongside the loss there was also celebration of the community and support which these refugees have found in Sheffield.
For more information on how to support Ukrainian Refugees visit the Sheffield City Council website.
