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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (left) will lead the UK in a moment of silence on February 24 to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The announcement comes a week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to the UK on February 8. Photo: Hugo Philpott/UPI
February 15 (United Press International) — In recognition and as a show of solidarity, the UK will observe a minute of national silence on 24 February to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of British territory. Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held a national moment of silence at 11am on February 24 as a national moment to pay tribute to the “incredible bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people”. a statement Tuesday.
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“Russia’s senseless attack has once again brought war and destruction to our continent, forcing millions of people in Ukraine and Russia from their homes and destroying their families,” he said.
Sunak is expected to lead the nation in a moment of silence in Downing Street. The Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport said it was encouraging participation from members of the public and organisations, across the UK.
“This national moment of reflection will provide an opportunity for the British public to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people and demonstrate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the country,” the office said.
The announcement came a week after Ukraine’s president took office Volodymyr Zelensky unexpected visit Britain was one of Kiev’s biggest supporters during the war.
Allies have provided arms and aid to Zelensky since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Britain is the largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States, sending $2.7 billion to Kiev last year.
This year, the country has pledged to double the number of Ukrainian troops it trains and provide at least $2.7 billion in military aid.
London has also sanctioned more than 1,200 Russians and 120 entities since the war began.
“I could not be more proud of the UK’s response, the genuine generosity and enduring belief in liberty shown by the British public over the past year,” the prime minister said.
Some Commonwealth countries, such as the United Kingdom and Canada, observe an annual moment of silence to mark the anniversary of the end of World War I.
a moment of silence also held Held across the UK on 18 September to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II, who died earlier that month.
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