Today, Friday 24 February 2023, marks one year since Russian troops began Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

The local Ukrainian community organised a peaceful vigil outside the Russian embassy in Canberra to commemorate the anniversary and were joined by Canberrans from all walks of life.

Car horns were consistently honked in support of the vigil by passersby and one man driving by yelled “Putin is a psychopath” as he passed the Russian embassy to his left.

Every hour, on the hour, the group would gather with their heads bowed to ring the bells and stand in silence, before singing the Ukrainian anthem.

Canberra Daily journalist Abbey Halter attended the vigil to ask those present why they are supporting Ukraine.  

Parish Priest Father Michael Solomko

“One year of the full-scale invasion … remember, Ukraine was initially attacked in 2014 with the taking of Crimea and then the eastern regions of Donbas and there’s been heavy fighting in there since 2014 – a lot of deaths, a lot of amputee casualties. But, of course now, we’re also commemorating that one year and it’s something that we shouldn’t be experiencing. A lot of Australian people in the community have also come and they wave a Ukrainian flag and an Australian flag. It’s just marvellous to see the level of support.”

 Andrew Liszczynsky

“I’d say [to Putin] get out of Ukraine – it’s not yours and pay for all the damage you’ve done … and never come back. You will be responsible, and you will pay for this at some stage. Whether that’s in front of a war crimes tribunal or at a higher level, but you will pay.”

Sanita Luka

“Latvia’s always been and always will stand with Ukrainians. We feel their pain. We are small nations with a big heart and what’s happening in Ukraine … it’s just history repeats, unfortunately.”

Theresa Gordon

“I have no Ukrainian background whatsoever and really didn’t know much about Ukraine, but just the anger I felt to think that an autocratic country can just try to take over a democratic country that wants to be free and the fact that it’s not just the war, it’s not just the frontline – it’s all the children’s futures that are being interrupted, it’s the careers of people being interrupted. It could be you and me, and so I felt I really had to do something.”

Susan

“I’m protesting outside the Russian embassy because I disagree with the illegal war in Ukraine. I think Putin is an absolute fascist and despot and should be charged with crimes against humanity in Ukraine.”

Elena Costa

“The Canberra Lithuanian community stand with Ukraine. We oppose the atrocities that are taking place in Ukraine. As Lithuanians we too know the injustice and tragedies with aggression has brought.”

Leela

“The war is wrong. My family, especially with my wife, going back, are Germans. They remember what it was like in the East, in East Germany. The repression and the oppression forced on them by the Russians and to see that happening again today in Ukraine … we just can’t accept that. We have to stand up and we’ve met so many wonderful people here. We have to stand with them. We feel it’s our prerogative.”

Victoria

“Originally, I am from Russia, but I have Ukrainian roots. I’m here today because I’m against the war and what [the] Russian government is doing is terrible, it’s really terrible for me. It’s a pain in my heart. Today is a day of sorrow. One year ago, Russia started the war against Ukraine and unfortunately amazing Ukrainian cities were bombed, a lot of kids died, a lot of women died … Stop the war in Ukraine, and I really hate this person [Putin], I really hate. Because for me, he’s a terrible person who doesn’t have mercy, doesn’t have kindness. It’s so difficult for me to say something about this situation, because if I say something I want to cry.”

Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko

Addressing the National Press Club in Canberra today, Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said that Ukraine must and will win the war.

Mr Myroshnychenko thanked Australia for being in “our blue and gold corner”.

“Each additional Bushmaster from Australia to Ukraine isn’t just a very hardy and handy battle vehicle,” he said. “Rather, it is the Anzac spirit and Australian mateship for Ukraine on wheels – wheels that roll toward mutual victory.

“The question of ‘how long’ is less important than the question ‘how do we help Ukraine and democracy achieve victory and peace as soon as possible?’. The answer is: the more Aussie mateship, the faster Ukraine’s and democracy’s victory.”

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