Islanders gathered in Newport on Sunday with Ukrainian flags, ribbons, flowers and placards as part of a global day of action for peace.
Forty people assembled in St James’s Square and began with a speech full of emotion by a long time anti-war campaigner, followed by two minutes of silence in respect of the victims of war in Ukraine.
Numbers swelled
People in attendance gave out flowers, ribbons and flags to each other, as curious onlookers stopped and joined in and swelled the numbers.
Impromptu speeches were given to thank Islanders who have been collecting goods and raising money to send to Ukraine and the countries who are taking in the refugees.
Ukrainian nationals in attendance
A number of Ukrainian nationals attended whose families are from cities which have become familiar to us due to the progress of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including Islanders from Mariupol and Kharkiv.
They spoke of their shock and upset, but also the positive response from the global community in support of Ukraine.
Meet again this Sunday
The gathering continued for a full hour as people come to terms with this war, and discussed the importance of campaigning for a peaceful resolution.
Islanders are invited to meet again this Sunday 13th March in St James’ Square, Newport at midday in a public show of the strength of support for the people of Ukraine.
News shared by Vix Lowthion in her own words. Ed
