Members of Rochdale’s Ukrainian community joined councillors at the Lviv bridge in the town centre last night in solidarity and support for Ukraine, following the ongoing invasion of the country by Russia.
Rochdale is twinned with Lviv, and the historic bridge in front of Number One Riverside was lit in yellow and blue for the vigil. It was named after the largest city in western Ukraine to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the relationship in 2002.
Several members of the borough’s Ukrainian community listened as Rochdale Borough Council leader Neil Emmott spoke in support of Ukraine and its people. He thanked the crowd for their support and said we must never take for granted the freedoms we are fortunate to possess: “My hope is that the action being taken across the world to thwart Russia’s and now Belarus’s unprovoked invasion and the incredible resolve of Ukrainian people will drive home the message that this unacceptable invasion must be halted and Putin’s army must go home for good.”
“As we have done in the past when other atrocities have been committed, we remind the world that the whole borough of Rochdale stands shoulder to shoulder with you.”
The evening concluded with the singing of a national song of Ukraine.
