Carlisle marks second anniversary of invasion on Ukraine

Before a minute's silence, Alla Stoica, a Ukrainian national living in Carlisle, addressed crowds at Carlisle's vigil for Ukraine with a heartfelt speech that touched upon the 730 days since Russia’s invasion.

It focused on the resolve of the Ukrainian people in the face of unimaginable adversity.

"Exactly two years ago, millions of Ukrainians made a choice," she said.

Ukrainian flags held high outside of Carlisle's Crown and Mitre (Image: Veronika Zolotoverkha)

"We chose to unite and resist. We chose to fight for our right to determine our future."

She went on to describe the immense pain, devastation, and fear inflicted by the conflict, emphasising the ongoing bravery and determination of the Ukrainian people highlighting that on average, 44 civilians are 'being killed and wounded every day'.

A young attendee holds Ukraine flag ahead of the procession around the city centre (Image: Veronika Zolotoverkha)

"For every Ukrainian, these 730 days have been an eternity.

“But it has also been 730 days of bravery and resistance, determination, of faith and hope,” she said.

Adding a poignant touch to the proceedings, sisters Nicoletta, 9, and Emilia Stoica, 6, shared a heartfelt letter addressed to world leaders, pleading for peace.

Nicoletta and Emilia alongside new friends Emilia, Kira and Matviy, who arrived under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. (Image: Veronika Zolotoverkha)

"War brings tears to the eyes of everyone," they said.

"We believe that all of us, no matter our age, deserve a chance to grow up in a world free from fear and violence."

The commemoration also saw Reverend Canon Benjamin Carter offering a prayer for Ukraine, followed by a poignant tribute by deputy mayor Chris Southward, who laid flowers in remembrance of the lives lost.

Deputy mayor Chris Southward pictured alongside Alla Stoica (Image: Veronika Zolotoverkha)

Notably, among the attendees were approximately 70 Ukrainians who have since arrived in the county under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

One such individual was Nadiya, a young girl whose name means "hope," born in the UK after her parents fled Kyiv nearly nine months pregnant.

Nadiya, alongside her family who fled Kyiv as conflict began. (Image: Veronika Zolotoverkha)

As the ceremony drew to a close, attendees formed a solemn procession, carrying a 14-metre Ukrainian flag through Carlisle's Greenmarket to the sounds of the national anthem.

Along the way, posters bearing stark statistics about the war were being displayed. 

The event was organised by Alla Stoica and Carlisle's One World Centre.