SUPPORTERS of an organisation in Malmesbury are making plans to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As the anniversary approaches (Monday, February 24), Malmesbury Stands with Ukraine is organizing plans for the weekend, including Bake for Ukraine on Saturday, February 22.
The cake and coffee morning to raise funds will be held at the Malmesbury United Reformed Church located on St Mary’s Street in Malmesbury.
A vigil is held at the Market Cross in the town at 3:30 PM that afternoon.
From 4pm, Malmesbury Abbey on Gloucester Street in Malmesbury will host a Pray for Peace service conducted in both Ukrainian and English.
The events occur as the support group achieves a total of £20,000 raised locally to provide medical supplies and equipment for a hospital in Cherkasy, a city in Ukraine.
In the previous year, the city’s mayor and council in the country’s center formalized a friendship pact with Malmesbury.
The two towns committed to supporting one another and fostering connections between their communities.
Since the agreement was signed, a conversation has begun between the Malmesbury & District Twinning Association and Malmesbury Stands with Ukraine.
The twinning association is forming a dedicated group to promote and develop the new friendship with Cherkasy.
It is intended to establish connections among local churches, schools, and youth groups.
In response to the developments, Gavin Grant, convenor of Malmesbury Stands with Ukraine, remarked: “The 90-minute phone conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, along with the arrival of American and Russian negotiators in Saudi Arabia, has brought the future of Ukraine back into focus.
“These discussions might result in Ukraine being pressured to concede significant portions of their territory – we will see.
“In the meantime, the dreadful and unlawful invasion continues.
“Innocent people are having their homes, means of making a living and lives destroyed on a daily basis.
“The necessity for tangible assistance for Ukraine and demonstrations of solidarity is just as crucial now, on the brink of the third anniversary, as it was when Ukraine first captured public attention.
“We will keep supporting Ukraine, which needs to be able to determine its own future, until there is a proper and just peace for all Ukrainians across their country.”
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