Darlington marks one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine

High Row in Darlington was occupied by councillors, police, and members of the public to show support and solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

At 11am, High Row felt silent as people reflected on the horrors of war Ukrainians have dealt with over the past 12 months, as civilians have been killed, and towns and cities have been flattened.

Councillor Anne-Marie Curry spoke of how the strength of the Ukrainian people has been unparalleled.

Darlington marks one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

Read more: Bishop of Durham Paul Butler reflects on the invasion of Ukraine - one year on

She said: “As Mayor of Darlington, I welcome you all to this one minute silence to mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Since the war began, thousands of Ukrainians have been killed for defending their freedom. Millions have been forced from their homes and hundreds of thousands finding refuge here in the UK.

“One year ago today, the lives of Ukrainian people were shattered as Russian forces began pouring across their border, with the sole air of conquering their home.

“However, rather than yielding to the invaders, the Ukrainian people have shown their bravery, determination and love for their nation, as they rallied in defence of their home.

“Ukrainian citizens of all ages, who were used to holding mobile phones exchanged these for rifles, and hoodies were exchanged for camouflage and body armour, and ‘see you after work’ exchanged for ‘will I ever see you again?’

An emotional day for Ukrainians living in and around Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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“We’re used to hearing these sentiments in regard to world wars, but the message is clear that even in 2023, the safety of the public cannot be taken for granted.

“Tomorrow is not promised to any of us and in an instant, millions of lives can be changed forever.”

After the minute’s silence, Ukrainians living in Darlington sang the Ukrainian national anthem, a bittersweet moment from people who, although happy to be in England, are still dealing with the discomfort of what is happening back home.

Roughly 50 people stood on High Row to pay their respects for those affected by the war. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

As the town clock bells chimed 11, High Row fell silent. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

A poignant moment in Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

Ukrainians in Darlington sang their national anthem to mark the anniversary. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

Mayor of Darlington, Anne-Marie Curry, gave a moving speech about the conflict in Ukraine. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

During the minute silence. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

'We stand with Ukraine'. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

During the Ukrainian national anthem. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)