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40 Islanders gathered at St James’ Square in Newport on Sunday (6th March) to show solidarity with Ukraine.
The Ukrainian well-wishers displayed flags, ribbons, flowers, and placards as part of a Global Day of Action for Peace.
The demonstration began with a speech full of emotion by a long-time anti-war campaigner, followed by 2 minutes of silence in respect of the victims of war in Ukraine.
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 slanders who have been collecting goods and raising money to send to Ukraine and the countries who are taking in the refugees.
Some Ukrainian nationals attended, whose families are from cities which have become familiar to us in news bulletins due to the progress of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including Island residents from Mariupol and Kharkiv. They spoke of their shock and upset, but also the positive response from the global community in support of Ukraine.
The gathering continued for a full hour as people came 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.
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We all feel so strongly against such suffering, but wouldn’t it be more effective to assemble outside the Russian Embassy in London ? Perhaps someone who does social media could coordinate with people from other areas too, such as Facebook Instar or twitter to make a massive one and send a stronger message to Russia and the world. Perhaps we could get a few coaches up there.
Isn’t Camphill available for temporary use as a first arrival processing centre for Ukrainian refugees from the invasion.
It is secure, has facilities and could be set-up if there was the will from the Govt (which there isn’t).
The Govts concerns about ‘unknowns’ getting in, could be addressed by doing the security screenings they’re concerned about and omitting those who don’t pass muster. Better than making them all ‘apply for a visa in Kiev’.
A practical, coherent solution form a citizen – where the UK Govt has none.