Today marks a year since the brutal, unjustified and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. A national minute’s silence will take place at 11am on Friday 24 February to mark the one-year anniversary.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will lead the nation in silence from Downing Street. This national moment of reflection will offer the UK public the chance to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people and demonstrate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the country.
In East Sussex, the Ukrainian flag will be raised at County Hall in Lewes today (February 24) in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as the county marks the anniversary of the Russian invasion. At 11am the council will join the national one-minute silence to commemorate one year since the start of the war.
"As we remember the terrible events of 24 February 2022, and the subsequent 12 months, my thoughts are with the Ukrainian people and their President, whose defiance, courage and patriotism in the face of foreign aggression is inspiring.
Hundreds of East Sussex residents have opened their homes to those fleeing the war since the Homes for Ukraine scheme began in March last year and I am immensely proud that Wealden has led the way in providing support and is hosting the most arrivals in the county. I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all Wealden residents and volunteers involved in local support for the kindness and generosity they have shown to our Ukrainian guests over the past year.
I continue working closely with our incredible volunteers including MAYFACS in Mayfield and the East Sussex Ukraine Support in Hailsham and Hellingly and I am proud to have assisted with over 120 visa applications in order to secure faster arrivals to Wealden.
I have met several Ukrainian families living in Wealden and I know that what they most is to return home safely and reunite with their loved ones. The United Kingdom has stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine from the outset and we will continue providing the vital resources Ukraine needs for as long as it takes."
Nusrat Ghani MP
Events taking place around East Sussex to mark one year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine:
Hailsham
The community in Hailsham and Wealden District will be gathering at Hailsham Town Centre memorial from 6.30pm. There will be a 1 minute silence in memory of those who have lost their lives.
Address: 26 High St, Hailsham BN27 1BJ
Eastbourne
The Eastbourne community gathering at Eastbourne Town hall at 6.30pm to show support for Ukraine.
Address: Town Hall, Grove Rd, Eastbourne BN21 4UG
There will also be a special service of prayer, worship and thanksgiving to mark the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine. This event will take place on Saturday 25th Feb at 4pm.
Address: Victoria Baptist Church, Eldon Road, BN21 1UE
Hastings
There will be a candle-lit vigil held by Hastings and Rother Assocations of Ukrainians in Great Britain. The vigil will take place on Friday 24 February from 4pm.
Address: The Stade Square, Hastings, TN34 3DN
