More than 200 people joined a march in Sheffield to mark the two year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

The Sheffield Ukrainian Society from the University of Sheffield organized the march and a lecture in support of Ukrainian people who were forced to leave their country and those who have remained there. 

Bohdan Viktorov, President of the society, said: “We know that Ukraine stands on the value of the democracy against the terrain of Putin. 

“Who said it would be easy? If we do not continue do what we do and if we will not be able to keep our country, the consequences can be brutal.”

Around 100 people also attended a lecture following the march which saw speakers including Oleksii Goncharenko, a Ukrainian member of Parliament, a PACE committee on migration member and a representative for Refugees and Displaced Persons. 

Topics included: Ukraine as a Shield for the Western World: the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine.

Mr Goncharenko reiterated that the war had not started two years ago, but rather nine years ago when Russian aggression first began. 

Organisers said the aim of these activities was to honor the resilience of the Ukrainian people and raise awareness. 

Altogether £735 pounds was raised and sent to the “YOUkraine” fund which helps ambulance services and hospitals in Ukraine. 

Jane Podmoloda, a Ukrainian refugee and student, said: “Many interesting and important topics were covered.”

Dr Oleksii Haran, Professor of Comparative Politics at the NaUKMA – National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy – also spoke at the event.

He referenced Ukraine’s agreement to give up its nuclear arsenal in exchange for agreements of protection of its territorial integrity. 

He said: “This is the only example in history when Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons. 

“Ukraine had the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world. 

“We gave it up for the guaranties of territorial integrity of Ukraine which were provided by the US, the UK and Russia.” 

The event, which was held on the second anniversary, February 24, also included traditional Ukrainian food.