Kendal: Dozens turn out for Ukraine 'act of witness' event

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Dozens of people in the South Lakes turned out in support of Ukraine at the weekend on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion.

The act of witness took place on Sunday (February 23) which saw local people stand side by side with Ukrainians in a show of solidarity in Kendal. 

In the past week, US President Donald Trump has questioned Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's leadership, stating he has 'no cards on the table' in terms of negotiations and the country 'should never have started it' - a claim which has been widely disputed.

READ MORE: Barrow WASPI women accuse MP of 'lightweight' support

The remarks came after Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

The United States has also stated it does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement.

Dozens turn out in support of Ukraine in Kendal Town Centre (Image: MP Tim Farron's office) One of the organisers of the event, Bohdan Wovk, moved over to the UK as a result of the war in 2022. 

He said: "We held the event on Sunday to attract as many people as possible and we were quite pleased with the turnout despite the weather conditions.

READ MORE: South Lakes: Diesel found in River Kent oil spillage

"It's important to talk about Ukraine in light of recent events in the USA. The future at the moment is very uncertain for Ukraine.

"If Ukraine loses, Western Europe is in a predicament because a lot of people will flee the country which will cause problems with mass migration and add to the political unrest of both the far left and far right movements that are currently happening in the likes of Germany and France.

Local people stood side by side with Ukrainians  (Image: MP Tim Farron's office) "This will then affect the economic relationships countries have with each other and will in turn add to a poorer quality of life for everyone. 

"Europe, at the moment, is starting to look like the Europe before the Second World War and quick decisions have to be made. 

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"Statistics have shown that Russia has manufactured more weapons in three months than Europe has in a year. 

"On Saturday, Russia carried out its biggest drone attack in the war to date with 267 drones launched in one day. 

MP Tim Farron gives his speech at the event (Image: MP Tim Farron's office) "Quick decisions need to be made by Europe to help Ukraine, it needs help in providing weapons - either by manufacturing or buying from elsewhere.

"Local events such as the one at the weekend are important as we need to continue to think and to talk - every drop into the stream adds to the river."

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Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron was asked to speak at the event and has been an active supporter of Ukraine throughout the war.

Mr Farron said: "It was an immense privilege to be asked to speak at the act of witness in Kendal as we marked the third anniversary of Putin’s evil invasion of Ukraine.

"The event was moving and humbling as we stood with our Ukrainian friends and neighbours. Their fight is our fight."

 

 

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