This week, the neighborhood came together to commemorate the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. A year has passed since Russia invaded Ukraine unlawfully, and vigils were held across the UK on Friday, February 24, to commemorate the occasion. Leamington citizens gathered for a candlelight vigil outside the town hall to demonstrate their solidarity for the Ukrainian people. Mini Kaur Mangat, a Labour councilor and the chair of the Warwick District Council, organized the vigil.
“The response from the locals has been phenomenal since the invasion started last year,” she said.
“The District has demonstrated its willingness to stand in sympathy with the victims of this cruel war through fundraising initiatives and by hosting Ukrainian refugees.It was moving to witness our community come together on Friday to send the people of Ukraine a message of hope and solidarity in a calm and respectful manner.
The local Ukrainian community gathered to commemorate the occasion at All Saints Church in south Leamington, where Helen Aris organized a separate vigil.”This week, we observed a year since the illegal invasion of Ukraine, but in fact, nine years since the illegal invasion and occupation of the territory of Crimea in Ukraine,” he added, speaking about the activities and initiatives in the Warwick neighborhood.
Both the Town Hall vigil and the vigil at All Saints Church made it abundantly evident that our communities continue to vehemently support Ukraine.
“Local inhabitants have been nothing short of amazing in their support, from giving aid to Ukrainian migrants crossing into Poland to embracing Ukrainians into our communities.