Thousands joined an inspirational London demonstration on Saturday, marking two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The atmosphere was more sombre than on earlier marches as the unrelenting assault by the Russian military has taken its toll. Women with children in strollers or hand in hand were prominent, enlivening the atmosphere. Ukrainians remain determined and defiant in asserting their right to exist as an independent state with self-rule, AKA self-determination.
Handwritten signs demanded an end to the indiscriminate killing of civilians, children and the population at large, while others called for munitions and air support. Women members of the Polish left political party Razem (Left Together) carried their banner in support.
Members of the Public and Commercial Services union marched along with members of the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign. USC sorganiser, Christopher Ford thanked Ukrainians in London for building this “demonstration of solidarity” saying that “Despite great anxiety at the situation, Ukrainians remain steadfast. They need above all else weapons to win and that must be the focus of our solidarity movement.”
Speaking in a video recorded for the USC, philosopher Slavoj Zizek denounced the hypocrisy of major powers, demanding an end to “this way of giving Ukraine enough aid to survive but not enough to fully liberate its territory”.
Photos: Peter Arkell & Corinna Lotz
