A GROUP formed in aid of Ukraine is preparing to mark one year since the beginning of the war.
Dorset Ukrainian Community will be hosting a peaceful march in Bournemouth town centre on Saturday afternoon, February 25.
The movement will commemorate one year since Russia’s invasion on 24 February 2022.
Group founder, Anastasia Pikalova, said: “It has already been a year since Russia started a full-scale war in Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes and scatter around the world in search of shelter.
“Almost two thousand Ukrainians found a temporary shelter in the UK. Ukrainians are infinitely grateful to the British people for opening their homes, and hearts and treating them with great care and support.”
Members of the public are invited to show their support and join in with the march, which will set off from Bournemouth Square at 3pm.
Dorset Ukrainian Community was formed at the beginning of the war as a support group for Ukrainians and Ukrainian refugees living in Dorset.
The group has been behind a number of events and fundraisers for Ukraine since its launch.
At Saturday's march, its members plan to hand out leaflets, issuing thanks to those have continued to support them.
It will read: "We are very grateful to Great Britain and to each of you personally for the unprecedented support that has been provided to Ukraine over the past year.
"Not long ago, just like you are now, we couldn’t have imagined in our wildest dreams that war of this scale was possible on our doorstep, but believe us, it is possible.
"Many of us were fortunate enough to be escape and we have been welcomed by you to the UK and by countries all across the world and we are eternally thankful for your kindness and hospitality.
"We write to you today to give our thanks, but also to remind you that the war is far from over and we absolutely must stand united in the face of Russian aggression so as to ensure global security.
"Please support us in any way you can. We must unite in the face of evil."
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