Hundreds attend Birmingham vigil in support of Ukraine

Hundreds of people attended a vigil in Birmingham on Sunday evening (27 February) to show solidarity with Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

The event was organised by the city’s Polish community and took place in Victoria Square.

Many of those who attended had placards showing support for Ukraine, and West Midlands mayor Andy Street also addressed the crowd at the event praising the community for their support.

Following the event, posting on Twitter, Mr Street said: “An honour to speak at the Birmingham vigil for Ukraine. Solidarity shown by Communities from across the West Midlands. A clear message of peace and support for Ukraine.”

A spokeswoman for Polish Migrants Organise for Change, said: “It was an extraordinary protest - among the crowd you could feel an extraordinary range of emotions, strength and energy. People are willing to take action.

“People stand in solidarity with Ukraine. Now we expect the same mobilization and concrete, effective actions from the government.”

The event took place following another day of rising tensions in Ukraine, with Vladimir Putin ordering Russia’s nuclear deterrent forces to be put on alert.

The Russian state-run TASS news agency reported that President Putin made the decision at a meeting with defence minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia Valery Gerasimov.

Protest planned in city centre

A No War in Ukraine protest is also due to take place in Birmingham city centre this evening (28 February).

Birmingham Stop the War Coalition is organising the protest and rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The demonstration is also opposing the expansion of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which an intergovernmental military alliance between 28 European countries and 2 North American countries.

The coalition is demanding that Russia withdraw its troops and resume diplomatic negotiations to resolve the crisis.

They say the conflict is due to 30 years of failed policies, which includes the expansion of NATO and dominance of the US at the expense of other countries.

The protest and rally will be held in High Street (outside Waterstones/Bullring) in Birmingham city centre at 5pm.

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