King criticises Russia’s ‘indescribable aggression’ as Ukraine marks two years since invasion
The King has criticised Russia’s “indescribable aggression” and praised Ukrainians for their “true valour” on the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion.
Saturday marked two years since Vladimir Putin unleashed war on Ukraine, seeking to crush Ukrainian democracy under tank treads as his forces tried to capture Kyiv.
Follow latest: Expert predicts which areas Russia will target next
In a message released by Buckingham Palace, the King said: “The determination and strength of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire, as the unprovoked attack on their land, their lives and livelihoods enters a third, tragic, year.
“Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted upon them, Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates them so closely.
“Theirs is true valour, in the face of indescribable aggression.”
The King added that he continues to be “greatly encouraged” that the UK and its allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine.
A woman visits the grave of her relative, a killed Ukrainian defender, in Lviv. Pic: Reuters
As the war enters its third year, Russian forces hold around 18% of Ukraine’s land mass and are mounting new offensives in the east, buoyed by the capture of the ruined town of Avdiivka.
In Lviv in western Ukraine, women cried as a priest led prayers in a cemetery festooned with blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flags, each marking the death of a soldier.
“The boys are holding the front line. We can only imagine what effort and price is paid for every peaceful day we have,” said Evhenia Demchuk, a widow and mother-of-two.
“I want to believe it’s not all in vain. We have funerals every day,” she added. “We believe victory will be ours. It is all obtained at a very high price.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Justin Trudeau. Pic: Reuters
In the capital, Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met world leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Both foreign leaders signed security agreements with Ukraine, joining Britain, Germany, France and Denmark in concluding 10-year security deals with Kyiv that are intended to shore up Ukraine’s security until it can reach its aim of becoming a member of the NATO military alliance.
Speaking on X, Mr Zelenskyy paid tribute to his people.
“I admire each one of you. I believe in each one of you.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrives at a railway station in Kyiv. Pic: Reuters
Mr Zelenskyy vowed that Ukraine would prevail and that a just peace would be secured.
“I thank all of our soldiers, our people, and everyone around the world who stands with us and the truth. Glory to Ukraine!”
In the UK, commemorations in London began with an interfaith prayer service at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Mayfair.
Read more:
Britons fought in Ukraine why they have returned to warzone
Ukrainian troops tell of crippling ammunition shortages
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Ukraine war: Where will things go next?
The leading Ukrainian Catholic bishop in the UK, Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, said his compatriots are “resolved to win the war” and have experienced a “two-year unending nightmare”.
Elsewhere in the capital, large crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square to protest against President Putin’s aggression as protesters waved Ukrainian flags, chanting “Russia is a terrorist state”.
Police have appealed for information after a man was charged with murdering two women and raping a third.
Simon Levy has been charged with murdering 53-year-old Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo who died on the Aylesbury Estate, south-east London, on 17 March, the Metropolitan Police said.
In September, Levy, of Beaufoy Road, Tottenham, north London, was charged with murdering 39-year-old Sheryl Wilkins who was found unresponsive in High Road, Tottenham, on 24 August.
He is also accused of grievous bodily harm with intent, non-fatal strangulation and two counts of rape against a third woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in Haringey, north London, on 21 January, police said.
The 40-year-old will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with Ms Valencia-Trujillo’s murder.
Sheryl Wilkins was found unresponsive in High Road, Tottenham, on 24 August. Pic: Metropolitan Police
He is also due to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday for a plea and trial preparation hearing for the murder of Ms Wilkins.
Detectives believe there may be individuals who have information relevant to this investigation – or who are yet to report incidents which have directly impacted them – and are asking for people to come forward.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the latest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
UK
Family of woman killed 56 years ago, in a case of mistaken identity, believe her remains are buried in a garden
A new “national day” to honour victims and survivors of terrorism will be added to the calendar from next year, it has been revealed.
The annual commemoration will fall on 21 August, and will be marked in a different place each year to recognise the widespread impact of terrorism around the country.
It comes after a 12-week public consultation showed 91% supported the plan for a national day, and 84% strongly supported the proposal.
Flowers left in St Ann’s Square, Manchester, to remember the Manchester Arena terror attack. Pic: PA
How the day will look, including a final name and symbol, will be worked out collaboratively between survivors and ministers, according to the Home Office.
But it will “honour and remember victims and survivors of terrorism”, encouraging survivors to access specialist support, spotlighting their stories, and educating the public.
A spokesperson for the Home Office confirmed that it would not be a bank holiday.
Jo Berry, whose father Sir Anthony Berry was killed in the IRA Brighton hotel bombing in 1984, said victims of terrorism would no longer be “a footnote of history”.
Jo Berry, whose father was killed in the Brighton bombing in 1984, with convicted bomber Patrick Magee in 2004. File pic: PA
She said: “What we remember as a nation matters. It sends a signal about what we value.
“For too long, survivors of terror attacks, and those who have been killed in them, have been a footnote of history. Survivors have felt ignored and forgotten.
“That’s why Survivors Against Terror launched a campaign for a new national day of memorial three years ago.”
Read more:
Referrals to UK counter-terrorism programme reach new high
I was reporting in London during 7/7 – here’s what happened
Travis Frain, who survived the Westminster Bridge attack in 2017, also backed the campaign.
He said: “A national day would provide an opportunity to remember those we have lost, to pay tribute to the bravery and resilience of those who have survived these heinous acts, and for us to look forward to the future to educate the next generation.”
The date was chosen to coincide with the UN International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
Plans have also been announced for a new support hub to help victims in the aftermath of terror attacks.
-
Sports2 years agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports3 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Sports3 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment3 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment1 year agoHere are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in October 2024