Suffolk marks one year anniversary of Ukraine war
Events are due to be held across the county to remember the victims of Russia's invasion
Events are being held across Suffolk today to mark exactly a year since Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine.
It's thought around 30,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and as many as 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died or been injured since February 2022.
More than 1,000 Ukrainians have come to Suffolk since the start of the war, with many now working or going to school locally.
From 5:30pm tonight, people will gather on the Cornhill in Ipswich to show support for Ukraine.
Councillor John Cook, Mayor of Ipswich, says:
“We continue to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their country. All are welcome to join me in support of the Ukrainian families affected by this conflict.”
In Bury St Edmunds a candlelit vigil will also get underway at 5:30pm at the cathedral.
A service will also be held featuring prayers, moments of reflection and songs sung in Ukrainian.
The service will be led by the Rt Revd Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and Ukrainian Priest Father Bohdan Сhyborak.
Phillip Banks, one of the residential canons at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, said:
"One thing I think people will find really moving is the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, along with military representatives, will carry in a wreath to the altar in the cathedral in order to mark and pray for those who've died".
Elsewhere, a vigil will be held at Woodbridge's St Mary's Church from 6pm.