Southampton stands with Ukraine with march and vigil

Yesterday, crowds of people gathered for multiple events across the city, to stand with those who are suffering as a result of the war with Russia.

Gathering at the Peace Fountain in East Park, individuals from different races and backgrounds spoke as part of a vigil for those who are suffering because of the conflict.

Organised by Southampton Council of Faiths, candles were lit around the fountain, as over a hundred people gathered together.

Ukraine peace vigil run by the Southampton Council of Faiths at the Peace Fountain in East Park. Carol Cunio (southampton Council of Faiths). Credit Stuart Martin

Chair of the group, Carol Cunio told the Echo: “We are at one with the people who are in trouble and we’ve come together so that we can show solidarity and give ourselves time and space to think about it.

“I just cannot believe that this awful thing is happening again in Europe and we are all here to think about that, to pray for the people who have died on both sides.”

The vigil was held just hours after protestors marched through the streets of Southampton chanting “no more war” brandishing banners with anti-war slogans as well as Ukranian flags.

The protest, which went from Guildhall Square to the Bargate, was organised by a pair of Solent University journalism students who promoted the event through use of social media.

Chloe Nowicki at the Southampton Stand With Ukraine demonstration which started at Guildhall Square and marched to the Bargate, Southampton. Credit Stuart Martin

Chloé Nowicki, 21, one of the organisers said: “Today the idea was to gather people to support Ukraine against the war. We didn’t know what to expect.

“It’s really scary. Ukraine is actually super close to us. It’s a European country. We just hope everything is going to go fine.”

Lakbir Singh, ambassador for Hampshire Chamber of Commerce for South Asian Business Engagement was one of those who attended the vigil in East Park.

He said: “Having just heard people speak, so emotionally, it just shows a lot of energy within the region. If anything, some of these messages, if they do get to the Ukranian people, at least they know that they have our best wishes.”

Councillor Satvir Kaur, at the vigil in East Park, Southampton.

Meanwhile, leader of the Southampton Labour group, Cllr Satvir Kaur, who spoke at the event, said: “It was great to see people from all ages, backgrounds, religion, races all united today around Southampton’s peace fountain.

“It’s not the first time Southampton has come together to show our solidarity with atrocities around the world and it’s our small way of saying we stand shoulder to shoulder with those that are suffering at the moment.

“The great thing about Southampton is that we do come together and we do show our solidarity and I’ve been really personally heartened by the amount Southampton families have been donating in particular.

Southampton Stand With Ukraine demonstration which started at Guildhall Square and marched to the Bargate, Southampton. Credit Stuart Martin

“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to come through with St Marys sports hall as a place to store that. it actually just shows how valuable St Marys is as a community hub.”

Another speaker, Cllr Spiros Vassilliou, cabinet member for Communities, Culture and Heritage added: “It’s completely unacceptable for this war to continue, we want immediate peace and we want Russia to immediately respect the people of Ukraine.”