Today marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and there was a vigil held in Carlisle on Sunday to mark the occasion. It followed last Monday’s event which showed support for Ukraine which was a rather nice community event. It was good to catch up with fellow photographers who covered Sunday’s event.

I did a quick edit of my shots from the day and sent this selection across for use on the News & Star’s website, which I have included in this post, and the article appeared in the paper with one photo today. Having said that I will do a more detailed edit at some point in the future.

Vigil in Carlisle to mark four years of latest Ukraine conflict

THERE was a vigil in Carlisle city centre on Sunday (February 22) to mark the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Those taking part attended a special service in Carlisle Cathedral before forming a procession which headed towards the Market Cross in English Street at noon.

It was well supported by residents and the Carlisle One World Centre and items including homemade cakes and handmade toys were on sale to raise funds for Cumbria Aid Ukraine.

Spokeswoman Alla Stoica said she felt it went very well and added: “I think it was really important for the Ukrainian community to mark this day.

“None of us, four years ago, thought the war would last more than a few days or a week, and it’s absolutely unbelievable and tragic than four years later there is still no end.”

She said they had been made to feel very welcome in Carlisle and the wider area since fleeing their homeland and added: “The people have been very, very supportive. People opened their homes. What else I can say? You know, people donated and people provided emotional support. On behalf of all the community in Cumbria I say we are very grateful.”

The Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that started with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.