City ceremony marks Ukraine war's third anniversary

A ceremony to mark three years since the start of the Ukraine war has been held in a city where hundreds of Ukrainians have settled.

About 40 people gathered in Colchester to hear speeches and take part in a minute's silence.

The city is thought to have welcomed 320 of the 3,000 refugees who came to the UK in the wake of the conflict.

Many of the crowd were holding back tears as they sang the Ukrainian national anthem.

Maria Kurinna performed her country's anthem at the ceremony in the Old Library.

"I feel proud that we're supporting each other and uniting and acting in dark times," she told the BBC.

"It is the most important thing to feel that you're not alone in this – to hear that people understand and try to support as much as they can.

"I feel resilient and proud that we keep going. I am so honoured to be a part of it."

David King, leader of Colchester City Council, said the ceremony was an opportunity "to make it plain how in Colchester – a city of sanctuary – we care for people who are in hard times" and to "thank those who've opened their doors in their hundreds".

He said more people were needed to host further refugees and their families.

"We're in a time of huge uncertainty... it's not the times we're in just now, it's the times to come," he said.

"A response to that challenge has to include us encouraging people to think about providing a home."

One of those who attended the ceremony was Lauren Kilbey, who has hosted a Ukrainian mother and daughter at her home since 2022.

"I almost feel like an honorary Ukrainian," she said.

"I just think they're a wonderful people. They're charming, they're very straightforward and I'm interested in the country."

Olena Zakharova, who lives with Ms Kilbey, praised the response of people in Colchester to the war in her home country.

"[They're] really kind people – they opened their homes and hearts for Ukrainians," she said.

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