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- Russia invaded Ukraine early Thursday prompting global protests.
- Insider spoke to two Ukrainian demonstrators living in London.
- “All of Ukraine is strong if they work together,” a protestor told Insider.
“Today, I came here, I took my flag, I took my everything, just to support my country,” 19-year-old Yurii told Insider Friday at a protest in London against the Russian attack on Ukraine. “It’s the only thing I can do.”
Yurii moved from Ukraine with his parents to the United Kingdom six years ago and currently works in construction management. He was one of the many protesters taking part in global demonstrations condemning Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine.
“Sometimes, these meetings won’t actually help,” Yuri added, but “it feels right to do, because I’m Ukrainian, and Ukrainian soul, even though I’ve lived here for a long time. I have to come.”
Protesters gathered in London to demonstrate against the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Friday
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They largely called for more government action.
Though Yurii said that the UK has made a substantial effort to assist Ukraine, he said more manpower from Western countries would help their defense.
“At least to be million percent sure, because we are sure that Russia will not do much harm. But we need more protection. We need air protection,” said Yurii.
Yurii told Insider that his grandparents still live in Ukraine and that they have decided to stay in the country
Henry Dyer/Insider
His grandparents told him that they are scared, but over the phone, they’ve had one consistent message: “I’m happy that my grandkids, my kids, are actually out of the country. Youngsters are out. We are old, we are already 60s.”
A Ukrainian demonstrator told Insider that ‘Ukraine is strong if they work together.’
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Anton, who moved to the UK 20 years ago, told Insider that he would have participated in fighting against Russian forces if he could.
“It’s my duty, to protect my country,” he said. “And anything I need to do or they need to do to save, we will do it. Because we are Ukrainians.”
Yurii agreed, saying that defending the country was the right thing to do.
“If I was there, I will take my shotgun from my shelf in Ukraine and go. But I am here because my parents took me here six years ago,” said Yurii.
“I’m just true Ukrainian,” Anton added. “All of Ukraine is strong if they work together.”
Protestors planted signs urging leaders to cut off Russia on the fence outside of a UK government building, Whitehall.
Henry Dyer/Insider
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine and announced he would send troops to those regions.
‘No Putin, No War,’ one sign read.
Henry Dyer/Insider
Early on Thursday morning, Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine in a televised speech that coincided with a special UN Security Council meeting. Shortly after the speech, the Russian attack began and explosions were heard in cities throughout the country.
After speaking with Insider, Yurii and Anton departed saying ‘Slava Ukraini!’ which can be translated to ‘Glory to Ukraine!
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