An estimated thousand people gathered in Trafalgar Square to mark 3 years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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More than 1,000 people gathered in Trafalgar Square for a vigil commemorating the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Monday night.
Over 70,000 Ukrainians are thought to have been killed since Russia launched its full scale invasion on 24th February 2022.
“It’s important for us to stamp our mark,” said Oleg Mihailik, who has lived in London for 20 years, “to show people Ukraine is not going anywhere.”
Ukrainians sang hymns, watched musical performances, and heard speeches from high profile supporters of the country’s fight against Russia.
The anniversary comes amid a potential turning point for Europe. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a commitment to increasing UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
Whilst the vigil was taking place in London, President Emmanuel Macron of France was meeting US President Donald Trump to discuss a potential end to the war.
Macron suggested the war could end “within weeks” if Europe steps up its commitment to Ukraine. The French President said he is working with Starmer on a proposal to send troops to the region as a peacekeeping force.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron speaks with President Donald Trump about Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (Ludovic Marin/Pool via AP)
Trump rips up the rulebook
Last week, Trump labelled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “a dictator”, blaming him for starting the war in 2022.
In an extraordinary shift in foreign policy, the US voted with Russia, Belarus and North Korea against a resolution at the UN condemning Russia.
“We’re disappointed,” said Max Uzol, a Kyiv-based vlogger. “We see that our alliances are not forever. We see that Britain completely stands for us, but we don’t feel such support from the US as we did previously.”
US officials met their Moscow counterparts in Saudi Arabia last week to begin talks to end the war. No Ukrainian or European representative was invited.
Protesters in Trafalgar Square held placards reading “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” They insisted that Ukraine must be involved in decisions over its future, and giving President Putin any Ukrainian territory would be rewarding aggression.
‘Will there be a Ukraine tomorrow or not?’
“He’s not going to stop,” argued Natalie, who moved from the Ukrainian city of Odesa to London two years ago. “In Poland, in Romania, even in Britain… you don’t know who’s going to be next.”
For many in Trafalgar Square, Ukraine’s fight is an existential one. “We decide today the most important question,” said Max, “will there be a Ukraine tomorrow or not?”
Monika, a Lithuanian photojournalist living in London, saw a lot of parallels with her own country’s history of Russian occupation.
“The Baltic states survived not because of hopes and prayers but through action… it’s time to listen to us because our voices are important.”
Foreign aid to be cut to fund defence
Trump has long demanded Europe increase its spending commitments for defending Ukraine. Despite his controversial approach, the UK appears to have listened.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces the UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, Tuesday, Feb, 25, 2025. (Leon Neal/Pool photo via AP)
Britain currently spends 2.3% of GDP on defence. The commitment to reach 2.5% in 2027 will cost £13.4bn a year according to the government. The PM has also committed to increasing the spend to 3% after the next election.
Starmer said the investment would be fully funded by a cut to foreign aid spending. He is due to fly to Washington to meet Trump on Thursday.
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Headline1,000 Ukrainians gather in Trafalgar Square to commemorate three years since the invasion
Short HeadlineLondon's Ukrainians mark three years of war
Standfirst"Will there be a Ukraine tomorrow or not?" Campaigners tell City News they will not accept a peace deal.
More than 1,000 people gathered in Trafalgar Square for a vigil commemorating the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Monday night.
Over 70,000 Ukrainians are thought to have been killed since Russia launched its full scale invasion on 24th February 2022.
“It’s important for us to stamp our mark,” said Oleg Mihailik, who has lived in London for 20 years, “to show people Ukraine is not going anywhere.”
Ukrainians sang hymns, watched musical performances, and heard speeches from high profile supporters of the country’s fight against Russia.
The anniversary comes amid a potential turning point for Europe. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a commitment to increasing UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
Whilst the vigil was taking place in London, President Emmanuel Macron of France was meeting US President Donald Trump to discuss a potential end to the war.
Macron suggested the war could end “within weeks” if Europe steps up its commitment to Ukraine. The French President said he is working with Starmer on a proposal to send troops to the region as a peacekeeping force.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron speaks with President Donald Trump about Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (Ludovic Marin/Pool via AP)
Trump rips up the rulebook
Last week, Trump labelled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “a dictator”, blaming him for starting the war in 2022.
In an extraordinary shift in foreign policy, the US voted with Russia, Belarus and North Korea against a resolution at the UN condemning Russia.
“We’re disappointed,” said Max Uzol, a Kyiv-based vlogger. “We see that our alliances are not forever. We see that Britain completely stands for us, but we don’t feel such support from the US as we did previously.”
US officials met their Moscow counterparts in Saudi Arabia last week to begin talks to end the war. No Ukrainian or European representative was invited.
Protesters in Trafalgar Square held placards reading “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” They insisted that Ukraine must be involved in decisions over its future, and giving President Putin any Ukrainian territory would be rewarding aggression.
‘Will there be a Ukraine tomorrow or not?’
“He’s not going to stop,” argued Natalie, who moved from the Ukrainian city of Odesa to London two years ago. “In Poland, in Romania, even in Britain… you don’t know who’s going to be next.”
For many in Trafalgar Square, Ukraine’s fight is an existential one. “We decide today the most important question,” said Max, “will there be a Ukraine tomorrow or not?”
Monika, a Lithuanian photojournalist living in London, saw a lot of parallels with her own country’s history of Russian occupation.
“The Baltic states survived not because of hopes and prayers but through action… it’s time to listen to us because our voices are important.”
Foreign aid to be cut to fund defence
Trump has long demanded Europe increase its spending commitments for defending Ukraine. Despite his controversial approach, the UK appears to have listened.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces the UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, Tuesday, Feb, 25, 2025. (Leon Neal/Pool photo via AP)
Britain currently spends 2.3% of GDP on defence. The commitment to reach 2.5% in 2027 will cost £13.4bn a year according to the government. The PM has also committed to increasing the spend to 3% after the next election.
Starmer said the investment would be fully funded by a cut to foreign aid spending. He is due to fly to Washington to meet Trump on Thursday.
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