Tonight is a day to remember all the victims of the russian armed aggression against Ukraine, to honour the bravery and resilience of Ukrainians, and to acknowledge a grim reality: war is not over. Ukraine continues to fight for its freedom and its very existence.
Before the war, Ukraine was a happy country filled with life, love, and hope. Yes, we had our problems, but which county does not?
We were slowly recovering from the Soviet past and moving to the vibrant future of the European Family. We were full of hope and ready for hard work.
Ukrainians have always believed that freedom and liberty are humanity's values.
But what if…
What if somebody comes and challenges your freedom?
What if somebody tells you to abandon your friends, to worship in another church, to be silent, and to tolerate whatever they want to do to you?
What if they are mighty, and you have limited resources?
What will you do?
The Ukrainian anthem says:
Our soul and body shall we lay down for our liberty.
Liberty and freedom are at the heart of Ukrainian values, and when the time came, Ukraine proved she was true to them.
It all started on a cold day, November 30th, 2013.
That day, people peacefully protested for their right to join the European Union and against the trade union with Russia. The demonstration was brutally attacked, and in response, Ukrainians rose to protect their right to choose their path. The Revolution of Dignity began.
Millions came to the streets. Days and nights, Ukrainian people stood for their freedom and liberty.
But then Black Day came. Later, February 20th, 2014, was named “"Bloody Thursday”, as over 50 protesters were killed. No one still knows who gave the order to shoot. It is for discovery for future generations.
When all eyes were on the death of protesters, russian troops without insignia were seen for the first time on Ukrainian land. That very day, the russian armed aggression began. Later, it led to the annexation of Crimea, the Ukrainian-russian war and a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Revolution of Dignity won, but the main battle to protect Ukraine's freedom still lay ahead.
Eleven years ago, Ukraine lost control over the Crimea peninsula. For eight long years, a war simmered in the east. Ukraine fought to defend its territory in the Donbas region.
There were victories and setbacks, moments of hope and despair. However, Ukraine persevered, maintaining its defence against any aggression.
Then, the unimaginable happened.
At 4 a.m. on February 24th, 2022. Russian tanks rolled across the border, and missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
We all remember the chilling images of burning buildings, the terrified faces of fleeing families, and the constant updates on casualties. There were stories of soldiers and volunteers doing everything possible to protect their country and its people.
Since then, Ukrainians have faced the everyday reality of ongoing attacks, displacement, and loss.
Every day, they exert their utmost strength and capabilities to safeguard their land.
There is no Ukrainian in the world who has no loss in this war.
But there is something more. We found ourselves in a grim reality when, in the 21st century, in the middle of Europe, one country can attack another with no other reason than to take it back to its complete control, seize the land and capture its people. And we realise that if russia wins, it'll mark the return to the right of the strong when military power matters much more than law and international treaties.
We do not want anybody to live in this reality.
If Ukraine fails, what will prevent powerful nations from attacking other countries?
If russia is allowed to win, how can we ever trust in peace treaties again?
If the only nation to voluntarily give up its nuclear arsenal is defeated on the battlefield, what will convince other countries to disarm?
These are the stakes.
Ukrainians fight for their liberty and the world's fundamental values of freedom, dignity and the rule of law.
The war is not over.
The resilience of the Ukrainian people is truly remarkable, but Ukraine could not have survived alone. The whole free world stands with Ukraine because this war is not just about borders or territory; it's about shared human values.
And here in Brighton and Hove, we've got those values in action. Local people and businesses donate supplies, families open their homes, and volunteers work tirelessly to help those suffering from this war.
Let me share some incredible numbers of generosity and support from this beautiful city.
Brighton and Hove became a safe home for nearly a thousand Ukrainians. In 2024 alone, our volunteers sent over 45 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, walking aids, food, hygiene products, baby food and clothing, and even Christmas presents.
We are also incredibly proud of the five evacuation vehicles sent to Ukraine since June 2024. To this date, they have saved the lives of nearly 2000 people, most of whom are disabled or injured.
Brighton and Hove have done so much! But as the war continues, the demand stays high. We are fundraising to purchase one more evacuation vehicle to evacuate vulnerable civilians of the Kharkiv region.
Please consider donating through our JustGiving campaign. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference.
We thank our beautiful city for your incredible support and generosity. It gives our community hope and strengthens us to continue our work. We'll do whatever we can to support the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom.
Thank you all for being here. Thank you for remembering. Thank you for standing with Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini!!!
Kira Makohon, Chair of Stand For Ukraine Brighton and Hove
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