Kent communities mark four years since Russia's invasion on Ukraine
Ramsgate hosts vigil and prayers at Salvation Army centre
Thousands of people in Kent, and across the country, are today marking four years since Russia invaded Ukraine.
The county's main gathering occurs this evening at The Salvation Army centre in Ramsgate where residents are invited to join a candlelit vigil and prayers starting at 6PM.
A memorial event is also taking place in the town centre from 11:00-13:00.
Organised by the Ukrainian community in Kent, the event provides a platform for reflection through prayer, storytelling, and performances by the community choir.
Nadiia Hryhorieva, a Ukrainian who moved to Ramsgate nearly four years ago, expressed hope that attendees would reflect, pray, and find support amongst the community.
Now working as the Ukrainian project co-ordinator at Ramsgate's Salvation army, Mrs Hryhorieva highlighted the importance of solidarity and the role of events like these in providing hope for a better future.
She tells Greatest Hits and Hits Radio "I feel anxious about the future, about my children, because the visa situation is very difficult. It expires in November 2027 and I don't know what is going to happen after that."
"My children have spent nearly half their lives here now, their English is nearly better than their Ukrainian. If I have to move back, I don't know what I'll do. We're settled here now."
Captain Carl Whitewood of the Salvation Army emphasised the need for honest conversations about the evolving situation, urging the public to bring friends and stand in unity for sustainable peace.
"The Home Secretary has been talking about extending the the stay that you would need to have in this country before you could get full citizenship.
"The Government is expecting people to do voluntary work in order to demonstrate their commitment to the country.
"All of these things become barriers to Ukrainians. So I would want to say to the Prime Minister, each country is different and we need to look at what has happened to Ukrainians and treat them with compassion and dignity, and give them choice.
Request cards addressing the Prime Minister and Home Secretary will be available for attendees to sign at the event in Ramsgate, urging clarity on the future for Ukrainians in the UK.
"The vigils serve as symbols of hope and resilience" says Mrs Hryhorieva, whose brother is being treated in hospital in the Ukraine after serving on the frontline.
More information on the vigil can be found here.