Ukrainians' show of defiance at Swindon demo as Russia war rages back home

The gathering this afternoon was arranged by Taras Pavlyk, 37, who has lived in Swindon for more than10 years. He was born in Ukraine and still has friends and family there. He arranged an assembly in the town centre on Saturday in support of those defending his country against Russian invasion. 

Taras with his daughter Mila

He was joined by fellow Ukrainians now living in the town as well as Swindon residents from all over Europe, with Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Macedonia and Germany among those represented.

Posters and placards bore messages both in support of the Ukrainian soldiers as well as urging President Vladimir Putin to halt the advance on Russia's neighbour. Daffodils were handed out, faces were painted and people shared stories of loved ones they were worried about. 

The overriding message was a simple but powerful one, full of defiance and hope - stop the war in Ukraine.

For Taras, who was there with his two children Mila, 8, and Kai, 10, it is hard to comprehend what is happening. He said the demonstration was something he could do to help. 

"It's absolutely crazy what is happening," he said. "And this is just me trying to do my little bit, a drop in the ocean to help. It makes me feel like I'm doing something."

Other Ukrainian nationals spoke of their guilt that they were safely in Swindon, and not in in their country of birth with friends and family amid the devastation.

Ksenya Bridkova, 25, had travelled from Chippenham. Her entire family is in Ukraine and she is extremely worried about them. 

She said: "All of my family live in Ukraine, at the moment they're helping people fleeing from Kyiv. I'm proud of my community because they're opening schools and churches and their own homes to take people in. The stories I'm hearing from my mum are horrific. 

"I feel guilty because it's like I have two lives, it feels like a horror movie and I haven't slept for three days. Last night I cried over our president because he bravely stayed behind with his people. I'm so proud of him."

She added that public displays like this were crucial to combat Putin's campaign. 

Ksenya Bridcova (centre) with other demonstrators

A mother who had come from Ukraine to spend some time with her daughter in the town told the Adver she was due to be going back to Ukraine to see her son, but was no longer able to. Her eyes welled up as she confirmed that he was currently okay and safe. 

"My soul has been killed," she said. 

Camera Club member Vadym Gurevych, whose dad is currently in Kharkiv and refused to go to a shelter, showed the Adver harrowing photos he had been sent from friends and family in the city showing unexploded bombs in playgrounds, devastated civilian buildings and one haunting image of a crying child with blood on her face. 

Some of the photos Vadym has been sent from people in Ukraine

"The things I'm being sent are unbelievable," he said. 

"I'm so stressed and I'm so worried about what might happen."

Councillors were also there to show their support and the council has promoted the British Red Cross' emergency appeal 

At one point the group, probably 100 strong, broke into a rousing and tear-jerking Ukrainian chant that was full of pride and anger and sadness - a poignant and beautiful moment during an extraordinary time.

On a glorious February afternoon the sun was shining and the town centre was bustling with people, but the gathering served as a sobering reminder that in the same continent - and in cities and towns just like Swindon - war is raging.