City Hall, Norwich protest to mark Ukraine war anniversary

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded the country in a major intensification of the conflict, which started in 2014.

Thousands of deaths have been reported on both sides as the year anniversary approaches, with the invasion instigating Europe's largest refugee crisis since the Second World War.

A youngster on the steps of City Hall, Norwich protesting against the war in Ukraine (Image: Archant)

In support of the Ukrainian cause, hundreds of people are planning to gather at City Hall at midday on Saturday, February 25 to champion Ukrainian culture and spread messages of hope.

Ukrainian national Natalia Scott, from Sprowston, is at the head of the upcoming rally and has led demonstrations in Norwich over the last 12 months with Ukrainians in the area and local supporters.

Natalia Scott at the Norwich Says No to War in Ukraine protest at City Hall (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

She said that February 24 marks a sad anniversary.

"We hoped the war would stop earlier, but unfortunately that didn't happen," Natalia said.

"We want to attract attention that the war is still going on every day.

Andy Perus with Jonas and Solomia, both eight on the steps of City Hall (Image: Maya Derrick)

"The war continues and with each day, more and more people are affected.

"It's really upsetting.

"We want to stop this war as soon as possible and support each other."

Mykhaylo Kostyuk and his wife Alina with placards against the war in Ukraine at City Hall, Norwich (Image: Archant)

The demonstrators also intend to highlight the impacts of war and the atrocities that have taken place on Ukrainian soil.

Natalia continued: "We're showing the world that we are grateful for the support and that we still need it as much as possible.

"We have bravery and motivation but that is not enough to win the war.

"The pain of the conflict is not going away. Many still have family members in Ukraine.

Floods of protesters took tot he steps of City Hall in Norwich in the rain to celebrate Ukraine and motion against the Russian invasion (Image: Maya Derrick)

"It's a place where we've grown up and it's very close to us.

"You feel the injustice of what's going on without any reason or explanation.

"You hear about the gruesome things that are going on - Russian soldiers torturing Ukrainians.

A protest against the war in Ukraine at City Hall, Norwich (Image: Archant)

"It's the reality of war, you can't believe it's happening in the 21st century.

"It's unbearable. It's incredibly tough."

People can join the rally at midday on Saturday, February 25.