An Oxford Ukraine peace rally was held to mark one year of Russia’s “full-scale” invasion.
Hundreds of supporters gathered at the Radcliffe Camera on Friday lunchtime bearing Ukrainian flags and symbols.
The rally began with the Ukrainian national anthem. Oxford University Chancellor Chris Patten’s address was then read out, with the Chancellor reaffirming the university’s commitment to support Ukraine: “Oxford stands with Ukraine.” The founder of the Ukrainian graduate scholarships, Lionel Tarassenko, also spoke. The scholarships provide funding for 18 masters students who are Ukrainians that have been displaced by the war.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, James Fry, also attended the event. Fry spoke of the council’s decision to sever ties with Oxford previous twin city Perm in Russia. He said that the council’s decision to end ties, rather than suspend them, had been one of their “first actions” after the invasion.
The rally was organised by the Oxford University Ukrainian Society. In between speakers, the crowd chanted Slava Ukraini (glory to Ukraine) and the mood was spirited, despite the rain.
Image description: image of the rally
Image credit: Susie Barrows for OxStu
