North East events held to mark the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

On the 24th February 2022, Vladimir Putin’s troops invaded Ukraine. The Russian President hoped to capture Kyiv within a matter of days - one year later, he keeps hoping. Meanwhile, Britain and the rest of the world are being reminded not to forget that Ukrainians are still fighting for their homeland. The North East has joined the rest of the UK to mark the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine with vigils held across the region.

In Newcastle, the crowds gathered under the Grey’s monument to join the national minute of silence at 11am to mark the anniversary of the war, and to commemorate the sacrifice of those who have been killed in defence of Ukraine.

The silence evoked strong emotions in the participants and emphasised the devastation that many feel towards the destruction of Ukraine's cities. But also demonstrating pride in Ukraine's resilience towards the aggressor.

Participants held signs branded with "One Year of the War", “Putin get out of Ukraine” and “Help Ukraine Stop the War”.

Meanwhile, in Durham, students staged a protest. Wrapped in Ukrainian flags, they gathered for the Anniversary of Resistance Rally for Ukraine's Freedom in Durham City centre. Tetiana Loiko, 22, a law student at the university and also the organiser of the protest called for people to keep Ukraine in their minds.

A national minute’s silence was followed on Darlington’s High Row as people reflected on the horrors of the war. Darlington Mayor Cllr Anne-Marie Curry spoke of the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people. "Ukrainian citizens of all ages, who were used to holding mobile phones exchanged these for rifles, and hoodies were exchanged for camouflage and body armour, and 'see you after work' exchanged for 'will I ever see you again?'”