The Ukrainian flag was flown by Sheffield Council to mark the fourth anniversary since Russia’s invasion.
On Monday 23 February, the council announced that they would be flying the Ukrainian flag on the following day as a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine.
Sophia Fesiak, Secretary of the University of Sheffield Ukrainian Society, said: “It is a very wonderful opportunity to also spread awareness about Ukraine to other people and to have people remember that the war is going on. It is not over.”
This decision came after council leader, Tom Hunt, made a request in line with the Council’s flag flying protocol. As part of this process, an equality impact assessment was completed.
Sheffield City Council said: “The flag will be raised as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Ukraine and Ukrainian communities in Sheffield, recognising the ongoing impact of the conflict.”
Sheffield City Council also supported the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain’s (AUGB) vigil which was held in Sheffield’s Winter Garden on the evening of 24 February to stand with Ukraine and honour the strength of the Ukrainian people throughout the illegal invasion from Russia.
The event involved several guest speakers including Tom Hunt and AUGB Sheffield Branch Chair, Anton Levsuishkin along with performers including AUGB Saturday School Choir to help mark four years passing since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine
In a social media statement, AUGB, said: “Thank you to everyone who came to be with us- your presence, solidarity and quiet moments of reflection meant so much to our community.”
https://www.facebook.com/augbsheffield/posts/pfbid032hnykmdTn4RcXJ3YghafkkrqbB5AKHBtTejw8PpRowoWDMZJG5ppEM8HkEjXQ7x9l
However, the war in Ukraine is still ongoing and Ukrainians in Sheffield are calling for more practical action and outreach from the council.
Sophia Fesiak, said: “Flying a flag once a year doesn’t bring as much action as it could, a lot of people might not even notice it is happening…It would be great if the city council did more fundraising events with Ukrainian students here to help people back home.
“We have days of silence… It would be nice if maybe the city council also corresponded and did similar things so that support was shown throughout the year.”