News / Ukraine
Ukrainian community protests children killed by Russia
Bristol’s Ukrainian community has come together to shine a light on the plight of children affected by the war more than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
A peaceful protest on Sunday afternoon saw campaigners display photographs of some of the children killed in the conflict on a small patch of grass on the Park Street side of City Hall.
‘They are not targets; protect Ukrainian children,’ read one placard placed next to a soft toy.
Monochrome posters displayed photos and information about children killed by Russia in the war
Nearly 800 children have been killed in Ukraine since February 2022, according to official UN figures.
The vast majority of casualties are caused by the use of explosive weapons, including missiles, drones and artillery.
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Among those attending the protest was Vera Staden who spoke of the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine.
“It is very important to do some actions to promote our culture, to promote our history tell people this is still going on and the people of Ukraine still need help,” said the volunteer from South Gloucestershire.
Vera, who helps organise aid deliveries from Bristol to Ukraine, said seeing a minibus marked with Ukrainian and British flags arrive in the country gives people hope.
Of the children affected by the war including those killed, injured and taken to Russia, she said: “We want our children back.
“We want a memory of our children to continue.”
‘They are not targets’
The protest was held the day before Monday’s International Children’s Day.
Antonina Grebeniuk, the founder of Ukraine Aid and Welfare, said: “It’s important on that day to remind the world that we’re still there, and there is a lot of Ukrainian children being (forced to) sacrifice their life, sacrifice their dreams and families being torn apart.”
“This is something which we want to put attention on in Bristol.”
She went on: “This peaceful protest is a powerful reminder that kids deserve to have a childhood.
“And all behind these numbers, every number is a child, a name and a family who whose life has been changed forever.”
Protesters showed their support by draping themselves in the flag of Ukraine and writing messages on the pavement
Campaigners said they planned to replant sunflowers on the patch of land on Monday show solidarity with Ukraine and its people.
All photos: Rob Browne
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