February 24 marks the first anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine – one year on from President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country.
Commemorative ceremonies are taking place across Ukraine for what has been the worst conflict seen in Europe since World War Two.
A national minute’s silence was held in the UK to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people and in respect of those who have lost their lives protecting their country during the course of the conflict.
A vigil is being held in Peterborough’s Cathedral Square this evening, where candles will be lit, prayers will be made and flags will be raised in solidarity with Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the conflict, the message from Peterborough has always been that we are stronger together – welcoming Ukrainian refugees to the city with open arms, and donating and delivering aid directly to those still living in the war-torn country.
So, to mark 12 months since the start of the war, the Peterborough Telegraph is shining a light on the city’s most selfless people and groups, who have gone above and beyond to support Ukraine:
5. The Anderson family and their cat Murchik
Frank Anderson, 56, and his Ukrainian wife Olha, 48, tried to bring their pet cat, Murchik, back to Peterborough from Olha’s former family home in Irpin, Ukraine, after her mum passed away in August 2021. They embarked on a mission to rescue Murchik when the war broke out, eventually managing to bring the cat back to the safety of their Thorney home. Murchik travelled more than 2,500 miles through five European countries to get back, with it taking the family five attempts to get him across the border. Photo: PT
6. Leeds Building Society
Leeds Building Society, which has a branch at 2 Queen Street, Peterborough, converted the upstairs of its building into seven fully-furnished bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, dining and communal area for Ukrainian refugees to live in. It welcomed the first of seven Ukrainian families who will be living there in January this year. Photo: PT
7. Lawson Hunte
In March last year, Peterborough law firm Lawson Hunte, based at the Eco Innovation Centre on City Road, established a free service to help reunite families stranded and displaced by the war. Photo: PT
8. Nazar Poliuk - Ukrainian radio
Nazar Poliuk co-hosts the Ukrainian radio show on Peterborough Community Radio (PCR FM) Extra alongside Alla Irodenko. Nazar is a refugee broadcaster who fled Ukraine just two hours before the outbreak of the war. The show gives Ukrainian's news from Ukraine and England, in both Ukrainian and English. It has grown in popularity, with Alla saying that thousands of listeners tune into the show every day. Photo: PT