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Bristol Ukrainian community marks third anniversary of Russian invasion
Three years have passed since the Russian invasion of their country, and the Ukrainian community in Bristol is urging people not to forget Ukraine, as the war in their homeland has reached a critical juncture.
On Sunday, around 300 people gathered for a solidarity rally and march, which began at College Green and made its way through the city centre to The Galleries in Broadmead through the rain.
The group, of all ages, carried placards and banners, while a megaphone at the front echoed one clear message to the people of Bristol: “Stand with Ukraine.”
is needed now More than ever
The Bristol Ukrainian community in all ages took part in the rally and demonstration marking the third-year anniversary of the Russian invasion
Ukrainians in Bristol took to the streets to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s latest invasion, voicing their concerns for the future amid ongoing peace talks between the US and Russia.
Protesters expressed their fear of losing their land and homes, many of which have already been affected by the conflict since 2014.
The march followed Russia’s largest drone attack on Ukraine, which saw 267 drones strike 13 regions of the country.
The Ukrainian community urged the people in Bristol to stand with them
The rally concluded at a new exhibition in Broadmead, designed to raise awareness of Ukraine’s devastation and resilience, while hoping to garner continued support from the West.
The exhibition, Wiped from the Face of the Earth, was organised by Ukraine Aid and Welfare and Ukrainian School Bristol to highlight the devastating impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The event was attended by notable figures, which include Andrew Varney, lord mayor; Tony Dyer leader of the council; councillor Goggin; Dan Berlin, sanctuary services manager; Richard Shaw, homes for Ukraine officer and Karen Macdonald, public engagement manager at Bristol Museums.
Founder of Ukraine Welfare and Aid, Antonina Grebeniuk and chair trustee sponsor William Maude-Roxby were present at the event and expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian resilience.
Antonina is also the founder of the Ukrainian School in Bristol which was launched last year in order to preserve the Ukrainian cultural heritage and instil a sense of pride in the next generation growing up away from their ancestral homeland.
The exhibition documented the destruction of towns and villages in Luhansk, Donetsk, Sloboda, and Southern Ukraine. It also highlighted the near-total destruction of settlements such as Popasna, Maryinka, Soledar, and Bakhmut, which have been reduced to wastelands due to the Russian invasion.
Marking the third-year anniversary of the Russian invasion, Antonina Grebeniuk, said: “This struggle is not possible without the support of our friends and allies. On behalf of all Ukrainians, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Government and people of Great Britain.
“Your unwavering solidarity—whether through governmental aid or simple acts of kindness—has been invaluable. You have provided Ukrainian families not only with shelter but with warmth and compassion in their most difficult times. Thank you for standing with us.”
Ukraine Aid and Welfare also collaborates with charities such as For Child, which supports Ukrainian perinatal centers.
Speaking also to Bristol24/7, Igor, president of the University of Bristol Ukrainian Society, said: “This year we want to quietly remind everyone in Bristol that the war is not over and help of the UK is particularly crucial in what happens to Ukraine in next few months, weeks or even days.
“Ukrainians, as an only nation which disarmed itself of its nuclear weapons, needs foreign weapons now, to defend our families and friends.”
He expressed his gratitude towards the UK government and the local councils for their support over the last three years.
“And as always, we are extremely grateful to the UK Government, the local councils and the British people for all the help we have received so far,” said Igor.
“The quick integration into local communities is the metric of our greatfulness and willingness to ‘pay back’ to all of you.”
Since the Russian invasion, nearly 1,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Bristol, making it their adopted home.
🇬🇧🤝🇺🇦
An incredible turn out yesterday at The Galleries to recognise the 3rd anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
The sheer volume of aid that has been sent from to communities across Ukraine is a testament to the Bristolian spirit 🙌
More here 👇https://t.co/jB4PbpZrgX pic.twitter.com/CvbpBE05U4
— Bristol Lord Mayor (@brislordmayor) February 25, 2025
All photos: Rob Browne
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