Thousands in London march for Ukraine, calling for peace, Russian withdrawal, and increased international support

In London, a large-scale march and rally drew thousands of Ukrainians and Britons united in their call for just peace in Ukraine. Participants demanded the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from all Ukrainian territory. They advocated for increased international support, emphasizing the role of Great Britain as a strategic and valuable partner to Ukraine.

Rubryka reports this.

The demonstration took place near the Russian Embassy in London and gathered a broad coalition of Ukrainian and British organizations, politicians, trade unions, and public activists who once again confirmed their support for Ukraine. Among the participants were British Parliament members Emily Thornberry, John McDonnell, Jo Stevens, and Neil Coyle.

^{Photo: Oleksandr Smutko}

^{Photo: Oleksandr Smutko}

The organizers of the action were the British organizations Campaign for Ukraine, Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, Vsesvit, the charitable organization KHARPP, Ukrainian student communities, and British trade union organizations – GMB, ASLEF, PCS, UCU, UNISON, and NUM.

^{Photo: Oleksandr Smutko}

"We are holding this rally near the Russian embassy to draw attention to the main cause of this war: Russia's imperialist ambitions, which led to its brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine," Maria Pastukh, founder of Vsesvit organization, stressed.

A singing creative performance by Hromada Сollective accompanied the rally.

^{Photo: Oleksandr Smutko}

^{Photo: Oleksandr Smutko}

The participants' main demands were clear:

• No division of Ukraine: Peace must not come at the cost of territorial concessions.
• Complete withdrawal of Russian troops: Ukrainians should determine their own future, free from occupation.
• Increased military aid to Ukraine: Essential for bolstering defense capabilities and ensuring equitable negotiations.

A special emphasis was placed on the presidential initiative "Bring Kids Back," which sought to highlight the plight of over 20,000 Ukrainian children deported to Russia. Participants called for their immediate return and underscored the global responsibility to fight for every abducted child.

^{Photo: Liubov Soroka}

^{Photo: Liubov Soroka}

Representatives from the Ukrainian organization War Diaries Children also attended the rally, bearing posters with significant messages. They carried hundreds of balloons, symbolizing the Ukrainian children affected by the war—children who this war should have never touched.

"Today, we have shown that Ukrainians and British people are united in their demands. Our voice matters, and we will not allow decisions about Ukraine to be made without Ukraine. Britain has been and remains our strategic partner, and now, in times of uncertainty, its leadership is critically important," Olena Ivashchenko, Campaign for Ukraine activist, noted.

Christopher Ford, Secretary of the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign. mentioned that "Millions of people who supported Ukraine are shocked by Trump's actions and the threat of betrayal. Promises to do whatever is necessary for Ukraine's victory are disappearing without explanation. We must show that this is not inevitable and raise our voices: the division and occupation of Ukraine is not peace. Great Britain and Europe must not repeat the mistakes of the appeasement policy of the 1930s."

For reference:
In Prague, a rally drew thousands, including children who had been returned from deportation, demonstrating strong support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, in Belgium's capital, both Ukrainians and residents participated in rallies to express solidarity with Ukraine. These events were organized to mark the third anniversary of the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukrainian territory.

As reported, on Saturday, February 22, a mass rally was held in the US capital, Washington, near the Lincoln Memorial on the occasion of the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In addition, on the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion, a rally in support of Ukraine was held in the heart of Istanbul, on Şişhane Square. Also, more than 10,000 people gathered on Sunday in Paris at the Place de la République and marched to the Place de la Bastille, where a rally was held. In addition, a march for the Ukrainian community was held in Luxembourg, organized by the LUkraine Association.