UK to observe nationwide moment of silence on invasion anniversary

Great Britain decided to mark the first anniversary of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine with a national moment of silence as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine.

The Guardian reports that British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the whole country will commemorate the war anniversary with a minute of silence on February 24 at 11:00 GMT.

"As we approach the anniversary of russia's barbaric and deplorable invasion of Ukraine, as a nation we pay tribute to the incredible bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

"russia's unjustifiable attack brought war and destruction to our continent once again, and it has forced millions from their homes and devastated families across Ukraine and russia," Mr Sunak stressed in the statement.

The moment of silence aims to show the solidarity of the British people with Ukraine on the day russia launched a full-scale war that claimed the lives of 30,000 to 40,000 civilians, western sources say. In late January, the United Nations estimated that 18,000 civilians had been killed but said the real figure was likely much higher.

We will remind you that PM Rishi Sunak promised to strengthen the air defense of Ukraine in the coming weeks at a press conference with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to the British Prime Minister, discussions are ongoing regarding providing long-range missiles to Ukraine. That includes Harpoon anti-ship missiles or Storm Shadows air-to-surface missiles.