Thousands protest in London ahead of third anniversary of Ukraine war

A Somber Gathering: Mourning and Resistance in London

Thousands of protestors converged on the Russian embassy in west London, their voices carrying a mix of sorrow and defiance. The air was filled with a mournful Ukrainian folk song, its haunting melody echoing the profound loss and resilience of a nation still entrenched in war. The singers, adorned in traditional Ukrainian attire with blood-red ribbons tied around their heads, sang of a homeland battered but unbroken. Three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the crowd gathered not only to mourn the lives lost but also to demand urgent action from the international community.

The scene was a poignant blend of grief and determination. Blue and yellow flags, symbols of Ukrainian pride, fluttered in the wind, while signs carried by protestors ranged from the solemn—"Never forget Bucha"—to the provocative: "We will rave on Putin’s grave." These messages reflected the dual emotions of the crowd: a deep sorrow for the atrocities committed and an unyielding resolve to see justice served.

Voices of Resilience: Stories of Flight and Hope

Among the sea of faces were many Ukrainians who had fled their homeland to escape the relentless bombardment by Russian forces. Their stories were tales of unimaginable loss and enduring hope. Vlad, a young man who was just 17 when his city of Mariupol was besieged by Putin’s forces, shared his harrowing experience. "I saw too much," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "Bodies in the streets, people burned alive in their homes. I can never go back." Yet, despite the trauma he endured, Vlad remains steadfast in his belief that justice will prevail. "We have to continue to fight," he declared. "To speak up for truth, defend our traditions and our culture."

His words captured the spirit of many in the crowd, who, despite their suffering, held onto a shared vision of a just resolution to the war. The march, which began at the St. Volodymyr Statue and wound its way through the streets of west London, was more than a protest—it was a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

A Cloud of Uncertainty: The Impact of Global Politics

Not everyone in the crowd shared Vlad’s optimism. The recent actions of former U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly his public courting of Vladimir Putin, have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the international response to the war. One protestors, who carried a sign depicting Trump as a puppet in Putin’s hands, expressed his frustration. "I feel like I watch the news every day, and it just seems to go from bad to worse," he said, shaking his head. "I didn’t think Trump would stoop so low. But the things he’s said and the actions he’s taken just go beyond belief."

His sentiments were echoed by many in the crowd, who fear that global political dynamics could undermine efforts to hold Putin accountable. However, there were also voices of reassurance. Labour politicians, including Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, addressed the rally, emphasizing the importance of international unity. "Britain needs to stand visibly and unwaveringly with Ukraine," she said, urging common ground with the United States.

Thornberry also criticized the lack of clarity in Trump’s approach to the conflict. "We don’t really know what Trump’s terms are," she told Sky News. "There’s no detail. So we have to just step back and say we agree we should stop the war. It’s just that we don’t want to capitulate to Putin. What we need is a way of finishing this war which is fair."

A Defiant Cry: The Crowd’s Message to the World

As the march progressed, chants of "Slava Ukraini" ("Glory to Ukraine") rang out, echoing through the streets of west London. The crowd’s mood was resolute and clear: there is only one aggressor in this war, and he is in Moscow, not Kyiv. The protestors’ defiance was a direct response to President Trump’s recent overtures to Putin, which many saw as a betrayal of Ukraine’s struggle for freedom.

The signs carried by the protestors—ranging from the somber to the provocative—reflected this defiance. Messages like "Never forget Bucha" served as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the war, while others, such as "We will rave on Putin’s grave," expressed a fierce determination to see justice served.

A Call to Action: The Rally’s Broader Message

The rally was more than just a protest; it was a call to action. The organisers and participants hoped to send a clear message to world leaders: the international community must stand firmly with Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty. Emily Thornberry and other Labour politicians who spoke at the event underscored the importance of unwavering support for Ukraine, both diplomatically and militarily.

Thornberry also stressed the need for a fair resolution to the conflict, one that does not involve capitulating to Putin’s demands. "We agree we should stop the war," she said, but "we don’t want to capitulate to Putin. What we need is a way of finishing this war which is fair." Her words resonated with the crowd, who were united in their belief that Ukraine’s fight is not just for its own future but for the principles of freedom and justice worldwide.

A Glimmer of Hope: The Power of Unity

As the march came to a close, the sense of unity among the protestors was palpable. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, there was a shared belief that the international community could still make a difference. The stories of those like Vlad, who had lost so much yet remained determined to fight for truth and justice, inspired hope.

The rally also highlighted the importance of solidarity, both within the Ukrainian diaspora and among allies around the world. As the crowd dispersed, carrying with them the haunting melody of the Ukrainian folk song and the defiant chants of "Slava Ukraini," there was a sense that the fight for Ukraine’s future was far from over. But for now, in this moment, the collective voice of the protestors sent a clear message: Ukraine will not be forgotten, and its people will not be silenced.