As we approach the three-year mark of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia on 24 February, NUSC held a march and rally on Saturday to show support for Ukraine.
The march was attended by about 400 people, who marched from Speaker’s Corner, through Pelham Street, Broad Street, and Clumber Street, down to Low Pavement, and up Wheeler Gate back to Old Market Square.
Attendees then linked arms and held hands to form a large circle inside Market Square before hearing messages of support read by representatives of Nadia Whittome MP and Michael Payne MP, as well as other prominent community members.
Michael Holod, branch chair of the Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural Centre, said that any peace talks concerning Ukraine must unequivocally include Ukraine’s representatives in the negotiation process, and that the pursuit of peace without the involvement of Ukraine would be a betrayal of Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and the sacrifices of millions of Ukrainians who have fought and continue to fight for their freedom.
He said that any agreements reached must guarantee the protection of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the restoration of sovereignty, and the accountability of those responsible for the devastation, war crimes, and crimes against humanity inflicted upon Ukraine’s land and people. He called on the UK and European governments to stand with and support Ukraine to prevent further Russian aggression.
Riabtsev Danyo, vice president of the Ukrainian Society at Nottingham Trent University, spoke on behalf of students in Ukraine, saying that every fifth higher education institute in Ukraine has been destroyed or damaged by Russia. He highlighted how students often have to study in underground bunkers without reliable internet or even electricity. Despite this, they are resilient and push forward, knowing that education is the foundation of rebuilding Ukraine. He said that every student should have the right to a future.
Cade Morgan, a humanitarian volunteer, explained how, in the face of apparent American abandonment of Ukraine and threats from the Kremlin, Britain and Europe must both take up arms, having for too long outsourced their own security to the United States.
He explained how, for twenty years, Europeans, including Ukrainians, fought shoulder to shoulder with Americans in the wars following 9/11, and yet now America turns away. Mr Morgan explained that the armies of Europe have dwindled in size since the Cold War, meaning we must now strengthen them to support the rules-based international order in the war between right and wrong, anything else being a capitulation to evil and a betrayal of the generations who fought in previous wars.
Ann Vickers from CityHubUkraine, based at Nottingham City Hospital, shared with the crowd how they had recently sent their 52nd truck full of aid to Ukraine, with the next one leaving soon.
NUSC will be holding an evening vigil on the anniversary of the full-scale invasion, 24 February, at 6 pm at Speaker’s Corner.
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