Hundreds attend vigil in Shrewsbury in support of Ukraine as Russian invasion continues
People in Shropshire have turned out to show their support for Ukraine in a vigil held in Shrewsbury.
Around 200 people of all ages united in The Quarry on Saturday afternoon, saying they felt it was a way they could make their protest against the Russian invasion of the country.
They included Ukrainians now living in Shropshire.
Those at the vigil held flags and banners in support of Ukrainians and condemning Russian president Vladimir Putin who ordered the war.
The vigil was organised by Councillor Julian Dean, Shrewsbury’s Mayor.
"As Mayor of Shrewsbury I invited everyone to come and stand in solidarity against the horrific invasion of Ukraine," he said.
Tanya Golovatyuk was at the vigil with her daughter, Maria, and mother, Luyda Leuchenko.
Mrs Leuchenko, who is in his 80s, travelled from her home in Kiev to Shrewsbury to spend Christmas in the county and while safe in Shropshire, now fears for her family.
Maria said her family moved to Shropshire for her father's work for BT and said his mother moved to the UK to live with them some years ago. But she said her aunt and uncle and cousins were still there.
"It is heartbreaking and we are so worried about everyone," she said.
"So many people have reached out to us and it is good to know that Ukraine is not alone.
"The sanctions against Russia are vital and must continue. They may not worry Putin but they will worry the Russian business community and those with the money in the country. Without money Putin will not be able to afford the weapons. It will also affect the people of Russia."
Her mother said it was a dreadful time.
"Ukraine is very grateful for the support from the world. The army needs weapons and ammunitions to defend the country and to defend the people.
"It is a very democratic and independent country. We go back to see our family and friends every year and we are so worried. It has been a comfort to see how many people have been in touch, for instance from the gym, to send their support."
Daria who lives with her husband and daughter, is in constant touch with her family in Ukraine.
"Where my Dad lives there are soldiers in the streets already," she said.
"My mother works in a maternity hospital and the mothers and their babies are living underground in bunkers under the hospital. They have already had a baby born underground."
"I can not eat," there seems to be no point when my family is going through this.
Supporting Daria was Claudia Cjecary a vet from Romania whose family all live in the Eastern European country.
“We are standing with Ukraine. We are so worried that Putin will invade Romania next. He seems intent on taking over, when you see him on the news he has crazy eyes, he will listen to no-one,” she said.
Tatyana Popazou is from Moldova: "We too are very scared. Moldova is a very small country with a very army. Our army could not defend Moldova from the Russian army."
Representing the Barnabus Church in Coleham were Louise Hammersley-Gecan and Dragan Gecan, who was conscripted into the Serbian army at the age of 20 in the Balkans war.
"It was a dreadful, dreadful time," he said. "The news of Ukraine bring everything back."
Those there to support Ukraine included Naomi Yeomans and her daughters, Lily, 10, and Kia, 8.
"We have to find all the positivity we can to break down the hatred," Naomi said.
Lily said: "It seems unfair that we can sleep in a warm bed at night when children in Ukraine are in underground shelters."
The conflict has driven thousands of Ukrainians from their homes in search of safety.
Russia claims its assault on Ukraine was aimed only at military targets, but bridges, schools and residential neighbourhoods have been hit since the invasion began on Thursday.
Troops closed in on Ukraine’s capital on Saturday after a night of explosions and street fighting sent Kyiv residents seeking shelter or fleeing the city.
The country’s leader claimed Ukraine’s forces had repulsed the assault and vowed to keep up the struggle.
“The real fighting for Kyiv is ongoing,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video message, accusing Russia in a video message of hitting infrastructure and civilian targets.
“We will win,” he said.
Britain’s defence ministry said on Saturday that the bulk of Russian forces were 19 miles from the middle of the city.
Shrewsbury's Market Hall has also been lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
Light artist Andy McKeown said he felt compelled to use his skills to show those in Ukraine that they were in the thoughts of people in Shrewsbury.
He said that, like many, he felt appalled by the invasion of the country by Russia.
"I have the skills and the facilities to make a public statement and after running it by Shrewsbury Town Council, the opportunity," he explained.
"I felt that, while it maybe small and inconsequential in the large world it was something I could do."
The light projection on Friday night received hundreds of likes on social media and will be illuminated again on Saturday night between 6pm and 11.30pm.
"We did the same after the atrocities in Paris in support of the people there," he said.
"Other buildings around the world are being lit up in support and it is good that Shrewsbury can join in a public show of support."
