On the anniversary of the Russian invasion, a Ukrainian restaurant in Hull hosted a breakfast gathering.
In order to commemorate the beginning of the war, which has killed thousands of people and destroyed the nation, refugees from the conflict joined local supporters.
Flags were flying in Queen Victoria sq\., and there were other events happening all over the city.
The owner of a cafe who is Ukrainian by birth, Lena Sutherland, claimed that the past year had been "the hardest year of our lives.".
She wished for an end to the war.
"I've already lost a lot of friends, and I detest this war. ".
In the 1990s, Mrs. Sutherland relocated to Hull after falling in love with and marrying a local man who was working in the merchant navy.
She left her retirement to open the eatery, which serves as a gathering place for the many refugees who work there.
In addition to funding aid for the war-torn nation, a portion of the profits are used to support the local Ukrainian community.
Girls who traveled this year from the eastern part of Ukraine were spoken to, she said.
"Their life is destroyed; they lack both a life and happiness. It's difficult for them because they can't see their family.
"I wept alongside them because I have a home here in England and am content, but I cannot be content knowing that my country is being torn apart. ".
Local supporters joined in the celebration to mark the anniversary.
Five lorry loads of supplies left Hull for Kyiv, driven by Louis Ramsden of the lifeboat organization Humber Rescue.
He claimed that Hull residents were still giving.
People are still willing to give what they have, he said, adding that we still have a lot of support.
Despite the fact that there is a cost of living crisis in this country, I believe that most people are aware that there are more important issues at hand than just higher energy prices.
Everyone wants to help them and lessen their suffering and pain because people are losing their homes and are being subjected to truly barbaric conditions. ".
The invasion was called "a significant date in our history" by Ukrainian student Anastasiia Didyk.
Everyone remembers this day with a mixture of pride and fear, she said, adding that it changed everyone.
"Proud of themselves, their nation, their military, and their contribution. As of February 24, 2022, our lives and the people in them have changed. " .
The war altered us. Honoring this day is comparable to welcoming a new country into the world. ".
A fellow student, Bazhena Kukhot, stated that the Ukrainian refugees were extremely appreciative of the assistance provided by the neighborhood.
"Leaving our cities, our country, and our families was really difficult," she said.
"We came here by ourselves, and it was a difficult time, but everyone here is really supportive.
We are very appreciative of them for providing us with everything we required, including clothing, toiletries, and everything.
Our lives were just saved by them.
. "
