March in city marks two years of war in Ukraine
HUNDREDS of people gathered in Nottingham city centre on Saturday to highlight two years since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
A large crowd of around 450 people marched from Speakers’ Corner, past Clumber Street to Hockley and back to Old Market Square.
There, Ukrainian choirs and community groups performed songs and a play written for the event. Local community leaders also spoke to the crowd.
Michael Holod, branch chair of the Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural Centre, spoke of how some sanctioned goods are still being traded with Russia via Kyrgyzstan and Armenia. This includes parts that can be used for military purposes.
Nottingham East Labour MP Nadia Whittome also addressed the crowd and called on the UK Government and governments around the world to send Ukraine the weapons it needs to defend itself, to cancel foreign debt, and increase humanitarian aid.
She also said that the UK must welcome all refugees and close loopholes in the sanctions against Putin’s regime.
She thanked all Ukrainian refugees for being part of the community and hoped that they received a warm welcome here.
Other speakers included Ann Vickers from Cityhubukraine, a grassroots volunteer organisation set up two years ago and who have to date sent 43 lorries of aid to Ukraine, including food, baby and medical supplies and even vehicles such as 4x4s and ambulances.
Due to the scale of the event, some travel disruption was reported. Fletcher Gate and George Street were closed to all passing services just before 2.30pm, with Nottingham City Transport services towards Nottingham diverted via Canal Street and Bellar Gate to reach their usual Victoria Centre stops.