On the anniversary of the beginning of the Ukrainian war, the prime minister and his wife joined members of the Ukrainian armed forces on the steps of Number 10 as events were conducted throughout the country.
On the anniversary of the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak led a minute of silence from the steps of Downing Street as the UK showed solidarity with Ukraine.
Mr. Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, stood alongside the Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Vadym Prystaiko, and members of the Ukrainian armed forces to observe the moment of silence in front of a wreath representing the Ukrainian flag placed on the door of Number 10.
The national anthem was then sung by Ukrainian singers to conclude the moment of contemplation.
“As we remember one year since a full-scale war broke out on our continent,” Mr. Sunak said before the event. I urge everyone to reflect on the fortitude and bravery of our Ukrainian friends. Who have fought valiantly for their country every hour since.
“I am proud that the United Kingdom has stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine throughout this horrific conflict. Today, as I stand with courageous Ukrainian soldiers outside Downing Street, my thoughts will be with all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend freedom and restore peace to Europe.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer commemorated the event while meeting with Ukrainians in Cardiff.
King Charles released a statement in which he praised the Ukrainian people for their “truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy,” adding, “I can only hope that the outpouring of solidarity from around the world will bring not only practical aid but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united.”
Politicians such as former prime minister Boris Johnson and London mayor Sadiq Khan attended a prayer service at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in the capital to commemorate the anniversary.
After a children’s choir signed, the crowd lit candles and a screen showed conflict victims.
And religious leaders from across the city prayed for those enduring the conflict.
Mr. Khan said at the event, “To those who have been forced to flee their homes, to those who have lost family and friends, and to those who are sick with concern for loved ones in Ukraine, we will never know what you are going through, but know that London is with you.
“We defend your right to live free from dread, threats, intimidation, violence, and terror because these are fundamental to our way of life.” And we recognize that Ukrainians are endangering their lives not only for Ukraine’s future but also for Europe’s.”
Mr. Prystaiko also thanked those who supported Ukraine, saying, “This 24th of February will be etched in our memories eternally.
It was the day the West and the rest of the world grasped what was happening and faced the challenge.
You assured us that we are not alone. We will be eternally indebted to you all.
Mr. Johnson did not speak at the event. But he received a round of applause as he left after exclaiming “Slava Ukraini,” which means “glory to Ukraine.”
Later on Friday, Mr. Sunak is expected to use a virtual G7 meeting to urge fellow world leaders to “move quicker” in arming Ukraine’s soldiers.
“For Ukraine to win this war – and hasten that day – they must obtain a decisive battlefield advantage. Putin is expected to state that to change his mind.
“This must now be our top priority. On artillery, armor, and air defense, we must move more quickly than in the past.
“The upcoming weeks will be challenging for both Russia and Ukraine. They are once again going too far. So now is the time to support Ukraine’s plan to regroup, reorganize, and advance.”
Ukraine has continued to request assistance from the West in the form of fighter aircraft.
Former Mr. Johnson supported their call, saying the UK must “break the ice” by providing the planes first.
The request has been rejected by Mr. Sunak and Ben Wallace, the defense secretary.
Mr. Wallace told that he could not “rule anything in or out” in the long run.
However, he added, “We will not deploy our Typhoon jets to Ukraine shortly. We have been quite unambiguous about that.”
