Ukrainian Refugees in Suffolk share their thoughts 2 years since the invasion
Vigils are being held around the county to reflect, remember and stand in solidarity
2 years since Russia Invaded Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees in Suffolk hope to return when the conflict ends
Around the county vigils are being held to reflect, remember and stand in solidarity with others including at St Mary at the Elms Church in Ipswich.
We went and spoke to people at the vigil who shared their stories with us with many people talking about what they missed about Ukraine, sharing memories of the "beautiful flowers" , and their "friends and family."
Natasha Kolotovicheva has lived in Suffolk for nearly 2 years with her 3 children. She told us she wants to go back to Ukraine when there is peace.
Something that she struggles with is the feeling of living in a "double reality" living safely in England whilst her "heart and thoughts are with the people" she knows back in Ukraine.
Another person we spoke to is Nataliia, who, after nearly 2 years in Bury St Edmunds, has decided to go home.
She explained that she was worrying about her friends and family more whilst being in England than when she was in Ukraine.
In that time she had been apart from her boyfriend which caused more distress as they had planned to get married. before the war broke out.
The couple has now gotten got married and Nataliia tells us she "appreciates the time" that she spends with him as she "doesn't know what its going to be like in the future, the situation can change."
We also spoke to Alan Cutting who helped to organise the Ipswich Vigil for Ukraine, he remarked how important events like these are as it is "two nations coming together."
This provides a space "for the community" and finding people who "understand the grief of the moment and be able to identify with it and yet to do so in a way that enables them to put their heads up and find some hope.... as "the pain in there as acutely as ever for the Ukrainian community."
As well as prayers, poems, tea cake and coffee taking place at the vigil - a painting is also being made. We are told once it is finished it will show the Ukrainian flag surrounded by sunflowers, with a blast of white coming from the back which will show doves flying forward and one will hold a sunflower in its beak.