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Ukrainians gather in Belfast to mark third anniversary of invasion

Bernie Allen
BBC News NI
BBC A woman looks into the camera. Her long curly hair is brown. She's wearing the Ukranian flag draped over her shoulders. A city centre is behind her.BBC
Kateryna Zaichyk says the anniversary "will forever remain a day of pain" for Ukrainians

A special event has been held at Belfast City Hall to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

A minute's silence was held to remember all Ukrainians – and those fighting for peace – who have lost their lives in the conflict.

Kateryna Zaichyk told BBC News NI the event was about justice.

"This day will forever remain a day of pain for us," she said. "We don't want people to forget about Ukraine."

"We honour the courage and sacrifice of those who fight for Ukraine."

Candles are lying on the ground beside posters of Ukrainian people with details about how the invasion has affected them. The Ukrainian flag is draped over the gates at the city hall.
Many personal stories related to the conflict were also displayed on posters at Belfast City Hall

The commemoration was organised by the Ukrainians in Northern Ireland Community Group.

The Ukrainian national anthem was played at the event.

Many personal stories related to the conflict were also displayed on posters.

'The war is not finished'

A woman is looking into the camera. She's wearing a white jacket and a grey top and red earrings. People are standing beside her beside gates. The colours of the Ukrainian flag, blue and yellow, are in the background.
Inna Shynkevich says: "We just want to remind people that the war is not finished"

Ukrainians who have come to Northern Ireland since the conflict began were in attendance. Inna Shynkevich is currently living here with her two children.

"We had a nice life in Ukraine. I was a teacher - we never planned to move anywhere," she said.

"My life has changed very rapidly. My husband was on the front line, and he persuaded me to go abroad to save our children.

"We just want to remind people that the war is not finished."

'It's very difficult'

A man, woman, a girl and boy stand together. The man and girl have the Ukranian flag draped over their shoulders. People are standing around them.
Serhi Ovsianyi, who is standing with his family, says Ukrainians "appreciate all the support we have from everyone"

Serhi Ovsianyi arrived in Belfast with his family in 2023.

"We appreciate all the support we have from everyone in difficult times," he said. "It's important for us."

"Emotionally, it's very difficult for us - and we hope all democracies continue to support us.

"America is not only Trump - or just one person - it's a society, and we hope all politicians in the United States will support us."

'This is their home'

A man dresses in a black coat and a black top is wearing a chain of office and in front of a crowd of people. Some are holding posters and a man in the background is wearing the Ukrainian flag draped over his shoulders.
Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray says: "We are here today to show our solidarity to the people of Ukraine"

Alliance councillor and Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray told BBC News NI that it was incredibly important that events like this are staged in Belfast.

"We are here today to show our solidarity to the people of Ukraine and to make sure that the Ukrainian refugees living here know that this is their home for as long as they wish to stay here," he said.

"It's always a risk with any conflict that the longer it goes on that it may be forgotten about - but what's different here is that this has impacted not just world leaders - but the global community across the world."