On the four-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sheffield displayed solidarity by flying the Ukrainian flag over town hall.

Sheffield City Council acknowledged the anniversary on February 24 by displaying the Ukrainian flag prominently over town hall in the centre of the city. This followed a request from the Leader of the Council, Tom Hunt, in line with the Council’s flag flying protocol.

A spokesperson for Sheffield City Council said: “The flag will be raised as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Ukraine and Ukrainian communities in Sheffield, recognising the ongoing impact of the conflict and the city’s continued support for those affected.”

This decision not only paid respect to the conflict in Ukraine, but also to the struggles of the large Ukrainian community within Sheffield. Over 1,000 Ukrainian refugees have moved to Sheffield trying to flee the Russian invasion and have had to assimilate into new communities.

Organisations such as the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) work to aid in this assimilation process as well as raise awareness about the conflict. The Sheffield branch, chaired by Anton Levsiushkin, emphasised the importance of the anniversary itself as well as of continued support for Ukrainians.

A spokesperson from the Association said: “Ukraine is battered, heartbroken, but unbroken. Please stand with us in solidarity with Ukraine and our people.”

As part of the anniversary, the Association also held a ‘solemn’ gathering at 5pm on the 24th in the Winter Garden to reflect on the past four years since the invasion and hold vigil for the countless lives lost throughout. 

The AUGB encouraged the Ukrainian community within Sheffield as well as other Sheffield residents to join the rally. The Association said: “This is a day of our remembrance and indestructibility. We invite everyone to join to become the voice of Ukraine together in Sheffield. Your presence is a sign that we are one and continue to fight.”