London Road renamed and Tanks arrive on the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

A section of a London street will be renamed Kyiv Road to mark the first anniversary of Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine.

Westminster City Council, Adam Hug, said the new road name was “a fitting gesture” to commemorate Ukraine’s inspiring bravery.

Marble Arch will be lit up in Ukraine’s yellow and blue colours, and the Ukrainian flag will fly above Westminster City Hall. _{the standard reported}

He said: “The request for a new place name has come from the Ukrainian community itself. Westminster is home to Ukrainians displaced by the war, and our residents have opened their hearts and their doors to those fleeing Putin’s war machine.

“As the centre of an international capital, it seemed to us entirely fitting that part of our city should carry a torch for the unbowed defenders of Ukraine.

“It’s a small stretch of road, but we want to show the people of Ukraine that their struggle has a visible place in our city.”

Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, said: “Kyiv Road is a symbol of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and a tribute to their unwavering spirit in the face of aggression.

“It is a reminder that the struggle of Ukraine has the attention of the international community.

“We are grateful to the Westminster City Council and its residents for their support in honouring our nation’s capital and its brave defenders.”

A minute’s silence for Ukraine at 11am

Rishi Sunak was joined outside No 10 by wife Akshata Murthy, Kyiv’s ambassador to Britain Vadym Prystaiko and dozens of Ukrainian troops being trained by the UK, for a minute’s silence in the UK to mark the one year anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine

To all Ukrainians, we stand together with you in remembrance, in solidarity, in unity. Slava Ukraini.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in press conference

Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a meeting of the G7 leaders. In the first part, he thanked the partners for their help during this year.

In the second, Zelenskyy presented our priorities to the partners in detail. I am sure that we are able to make progress in the implementation of each of the priorities.

But as representatives got to their feet for a minutes silence, Russia’s ambassador Vasily Nebenzya repeatedly tapped his microphone.

Poland has brought the first Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Smyhal showed video footage of the Polish Leopard 2A4 tanks that are already in Ukraine. “This year should be the year of our victory. We thank the Government of Poland and our partners who are bringing this day closer.”

Ukrainian children singing in front of the Russian embassy in Berlin the Ukrainian anthem where the destroyed Russian tank has been brought this morning.

The US has announced it is imposing a new round of Russian sanctions in co-ordination with G7 allies on the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

Watford Football Club posted their tribute “In times of adversity, Football Stands Together, and we continue to show our support with the people of Ukraine, and all those who continue to be affected by the ongoing conflict.”