Glaswegians and Ukrainians gathered in George Square for a demonstration marking the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale war against Ukraine, with the battle against Vladimir Putin's forces continuing today. The anniversary has been marked in the UK and across the world.
The demonstration in the city centre saw crowds gather to stand with Ukrainians with speakers coming forward to deliver impassioned speeches.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon's 'elderly parents targeted' in wake of First Minister's resignation
One speaker from the Glasgow branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain spoke of the brutality of the war in Ukraine, leading to thousands of deaths and "countless atrocities and war crimes".
He said: "Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 has now created the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since the Second World War, disrupted the food supply to some of the world's most vulnerable nations, has threatened European and World peace.
"Over the last year, Russia has systematically targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure over Ukraine. Over 7,000 peaceful civilians, including over 450 children have been killed and thousands have been injured. Destroyed medical, religious, cultural and educational facilities.
"Over 5,000 schools and hospitals have been totally destroyed, committed countless atrocities and war crimes against the Ukrainian population including rape, sexual violence, murder, torture, mutilation, unlawful deportation of Ukrainians to Russia including over 16,000 children. Over 60,000 Russian war crimes are currently being investigated."
He continued: "However, we still survive after one year, we stand and we salute the bravery of Ukraine's armed forces and the resilience of Ukrainian people while acknowledging the huge costs in terms of life and homes lost, displacement and trauma.
"Russia's war is a war against democratic values, international law, and the right to self-determination. Ukraine will continue to resist and fight for a complete victory to protect sovereignty and democracy in Ukraine and secure lasting peace and stability for the whole of Europe.
"We call on everyone to stand with Ukraine, united for peace, security and the rule of law."
Crowds, many of them carrrying Ukrainian flags and messages of solidarity and support, listened as he gave a personal account of his experience.
He continued: "To add to that, I'd like to share some of my personal reflections over the last year. One year ago, here on February 24, 2022, myself amongst the few other Ukrainians came here and that morning changed our life forever.
"Looking back at that day, it was absolutely different. It was a very miserable day, the sky was crying with rain and snow. All we felt that day was helplessness and hopelessness.
"However, look around now - it's such a massive contrast. We have been blessed with the support of the Scottish people, of the whole European community, the whole world which is behind Ukraine in our fight for independence.
"We've been blessed with all this support around the world and what we can say that now it looks different, now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and now we're confident that we can win this war. On behalf of AUGP, I would to thank the people of Glasgow. Thank you Glasgow, thank you Scotland for supporting us.
"We believe that together we can go back to a peaceful life after the total defeat of Russia. Slava Ukraini."
READ NEXT:
Springburn Nursery fire sees crews battle for four hours to bring 'wilful' blaze under control
Lanarkshire prison officer who smuggled drugs into jail for convicted murderer locked up
Paisley man facing £8,000 vet bill after three-year-old dog paralysed in sudden injury
Thugs in Shawlands caught on CCTV breaking into restaurant before making off with cash
