MILLIONS of Brits will fall silent next Friday to mark one year since Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine.
Ministers have organised a national one minute’s silence so the public can pay tribute to brave Ukrainian soldiers and show solidarity with the war-torn country.
A minute’s silence to mark one year since Russia invaded Ukraine will take place next Friday
Rishi Sunak will lead the moment of reflection from outside Downing Street.
The PM said: “As we approach the anniversary of Russia’s barbaric and deplorable invasion of Ukraine, as a nation we pay tribute to the incredible bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
“Russia’s unjustifiable attack brought war and destruction to our continent once again, and it has forced millions from their homes and devastated families across Ukraine and Russia.
“I am incredibly proud of the UK’s response, and throughout this past year, the UK public have shown their true generosity of spirit and their enduring belief in freedom.”
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer added: “One year on from Putin’s illegal invasion, we stand in solidarity with our friends in Ukraine and remember all those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom.
“This moment of silence is a time to reflect on the human cost of this conflict and show we stand with Ukraine.”
The invasion anniversary comes as Mad Vlad Putin has begun a series of Spring offensives.
British military chiefs yesterday warned that Putin’s troops have been commanded to advance in “most sectors”.
But so far they’ve failed to make significant gains.
The Ministry of Defence said the enemy army has “not massed sufficient offensive combat power” on any one axis to “achieve a decisive effect”.
In the South, Russian advances have “likely made little progress”.
And in the northern area of Kreminna-Svatove “continuous offensive efforts” are being made, but on “too small a scale to achieve a significant breakthrough”.
Today Nato defence ministers will meet to discuss supplying more weapons to the heroic Volodymyr Zelensky.
Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg admitted the provision of fighter jets will likely to come up in meetings.
“There is now a discussion going on also on the question of aircrafts and I expect that also to be addressed tomorrow at the meeting in Brussels,” Mr Stoltenberg said.
“We see no sign whatsoever that President Putin is preparing for peace.
“What we see is President Putin and Russia still wanting to control Ukraine.
“We see how they are sending more troops, more weapons, more capabilities.”
In an emotional landmark speech to Parliament last week, the President pleaded for planes – “wings for freedom” – to help his country crush tyrant Putin.
In his first visit to the UK since the war began, Zelensky said: “I appeal to you and the world with simple and yet the most important words.
“Combat aircrafts for Ukraine. Wings for freedom.”
Rishi Sunak last week said that “nothing was off the table” as the UK began to train Ukrainian pilots on our fleet of Typhoon jets during the President’s surprise visit.
