ONE YEAR ON AND THE WAR STILL RAGES - SALFORD SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE STILL REMAINS RESOLUTE

It is still unbelievable to think that one year ago today, on February 24, 2022, after months of rising tensions between the two countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin would give the order to send troops and tanks over the border in what he termed as a special operation. Since that day the war has had devastating consequences for both countries and has drawn international attention and condemnation of Russia's actions.

Since the start of the conflict, there have been multiple rounds of fighting, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people on both sides and the displacement of millions of Ukrainian people, some of which have been welcomed by Salfordians who have shown huge support and continue to do so.

Local charities have raised thousands of pounds and delivered tons of food and medical aid to the embattled nation.

Today Salford City Council are proudly flying a UK-Ukraine friendship flag in tribute to the people of Ukraine above its Civic Centre in Swinton.

Photo ©: Salford City Council

The fighting has been particularly intense in eastern Ukraine, where separatist groups backed by Russia have been battling Ukrainian forces. The conflict has also spilled over into the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, with Russian naval vessels and aircraft conducting aggressive maneuvers and confrontations with Ukrainian ships and planes.

The war has caused significant economic damage, particularly to Ukraine, which has seen its economy contract sharply since the start of the conflict. The fighting has disrupted trade and commerce, damaged critical infrastructure, and led to the loss of jobs and livelihoods for many Ukrainians. Russia has also faced economic sanctions from the international community in response to its actions in Ukraine, which have further strained its economy.

The humanitarian toll of the conflict has been staggering, with millions of people displaced from their homes and struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. Many of those affected are children, who have been forced to flee their homes and schools and are now living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The conflict has also had a devastating impact on the mental health of those affected, with many experiencing trauma and anxiety as a result of the violence and uncertainty, never knowing when or where the next rocket attack will target.

Despite international efforts to broker a peace agreement, with the most recent attempt by China just this morning, the conflict shows no signs of ending, quite the contrary as Putin looks to be regathering his troops for a new offensive. 

On the one-year anniversary of the start of the Ukrainian-Russian War, it is important to reflect on the toll that the conflict has taken on both countries and to renew efforts to find a peaceful solution. Russia has lost many troops over the past year and moral within the ranks is said to be at an all time low. Equally, Ukraine has seen devastating losses both military and civilian.

There are no winners when it comes to wars.

The international community must continue to put pressure on both sides to come to the negotiating table and to find a way to end the violence and restore stability to the region so that it does not spill into the rest of Europe, Putin can not be allowed to win as it would have dire consequences for the whole world.