Calls for stronger action to halt Ukraine-Russia war on fourth anniversary
Oksana Prokopiv moved to Wiltshire in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine
A Ukrainian woman living in Wiltshire is urging world leaders to take stronger action to stop President Putin's war with her country.
Today (24/2), the world is marking the fourth anniversary of the war starting, and despite efforts to broker peace, a resolution remains distant.
Oksana Prokopiv moved to Salisbury in 2022 following Russia's invasion and has told us people still living in the war-torn nation are continuing to fight, despite battling horrific conditions.
"Ukrainians are still fighting," she said. "We will fight as much as we can, as long as we need it, but everyday we lost people, we lose children and families."
She's made a plea for more action from allies to stop the devastation in Ukraine.
"Of course, it's a strong political decision, but it is about the courage to stand up for the highest human values as well, the right to live, dignity and freedom," she told Greatest Hits Radio.
Oksana added: "When I see news about a missile that kills an entire family in one moment or destroy a nine-story building and takes the lives of civilians instantly. There is only one thought in my mind. What more must happen in Ukraine before the world acts with urgency and resolve?"
A difficult winter of war
Oksana revealed that the winter in Ukraine has been a tough period for those remaining at home and supporting the efforts of the armed forces.
She told us Russia had been attacking the energy network, leaving homes without heat and power, meaning locals are spending nights in sub-zero temperatures in their homes.
"Many Ukrainians were trying to survive in apartments where the temperature dropped to minus 3 degrees inside, while outside it was minus 23 degrees," she said. "People slept in coats, warmed themselves with candles and cooked on camping stoves."
Oksana said it's not only the cold her friends are battling, as they're also constantly exhausted due to air raid sirens sounding at night.
She told us children are now automatically counting the seconds between explosions.
"Ukrainians today are not simply living in a war zone, they are consciously choosing dignity, humanity and resilience every single day, even when they feel they have no strength left," Oksana said.
Marking the anniversary
To mark the anniversary of the invasion, Oksana and the Ukrainian community in Salisbury are inviting us to share an Evening of Remembrance with them at Salisbury Cathedral this evening (24/2), which is also the National Day of Payer for Ukraine.
"Sometimes words cannot carry the weight of pain," she said. "We are creating a space of silence, of light, of shared presence. Through silence, candlelight, prayer, and simple human voices, we invite people not only to understand, but to truly feel what war means for real human lives."
The event will see candles lit to fill the space with light, with Oksana saying it will be a moment more powerful than any speed.
She said: "Light is stronger, love is deeper, life is sacred and we call on each of us to be the light that overcomes the darkness."
Doors open for the event at 7.30pm, with candles to be lit from 8pm.