Thousands of Londoners joined the "London Stands with Ukraine" Solidarity March and Vigil on Saturday 26 March, showing a "message of support to the Ukrainian people."The march started at Park Lane, continued through Piccadilly Circus, where Yoko Ono’s ‘IMAGINE PEACE’ artwork is on display, and ended with a vigil in Trafalgar Square.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who organized the march, wanted to show the world that everyone in the British capital stands “shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in its darkest hour.”
The official public invitation stated the following:
"Dear Londoner,
It has been heartbreaking to watch Putin’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine unfold over the last few weeks. I’m sure you feel the same way. I know that many Londoners are wondering what they can do to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
And so I’d like to invite you to join me and thousands of others in a solidarity march and vigil on Saturday 26 March. The vigil will mark one month since the invasion began."
Demonstrators of all paths of life held placards reading "Brits Support Ukraine," "Solidarity with Ukraine," "Bloodymir" and "No Fly Zone for Ukraine." They waved flags of Ukraine and "We Stand With Ukraine" banners.
Khan also announced over £1.1m in funding to help refugees and people seeking asylum in London, adding: “We have a proud history of providing sanctuary to those fleeing conflict, and these funds will ensure that support is there to help in their time of need.”
On social media, the Mayor announced: "Today London sent a message to the world:
We stand with the people of Ukraine.
We condemn Russia’s barbaric aggression.
And we’ll never stop raising our voices in support of the struggle for freedom, peace and democracy. #StandWithUkraine"
*All photos were taken by Ina/WithinLondon, unless stated otherwise.
Comments