A demonstration has been held in support of Ukraine in Reading on the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of the country by Russian forces.
Hundreds of people, including members of the Ukrainian community, people who have fled the war, and councillors attended the demonstration, which involved a march and a rally at Forbury Gardens.
People waved flags and held signs saying ‘Return Our Children’ as Russian forces have been accused of kidnappings.
The rally featured a performance by The Kryla Choir from the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre.
The march was attended by Olivia Bailey, the Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, Councillor Glenn Dennis (Labour, Kentwood) the Mayor of Reading, and councillors Rachel Eden (Labour, Whitley) and Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey).
Cllr Rowland said: “I was proud to march and stand in solidarity with Ukraine in Reading to sombrely note the third anniversary of the Russian invasion.
“We are with you and support you. Slava Ukraini.”
The demonstration took place on Saturday, February 22 to mark the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces and its affiliates, which began on February 24, 2022.
Months after the invasion began, 131 Ukrainians in 62 family groups arrived in Reading through the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, which involves members of the public allowing refugees to stay in their homes.
Prior to the invasion, a low-intensity war had been taking place in Ukraine since Russian forces seized Crimea in 2014.
