The Mayor of London will lead a march of thousands of Londoners and visitors to the capital this Saturday to send a message of solidarity to the people of Ukraine, as Ukrainian President
Zelensky appealed to people across the world to show their support.
‘London stands with Ukraine’ will begin with a solidarity march from Park Lane at 2pm. It will then proceed past Piccadilly Circus, where Yoko Ono’s ‘IMAGINE PEACE’ message, commissioned by CIRCA in collaboration with Serpentine, will be displayed on Piccadilly Lights, before a vigil and speeches will take place in Trafalgar Square from 3-5pm.
It comes as Ukrainian President Zelensky appealed to people across the world to take to the streets in a show of support for Ukraine to mark one month of the Russian invasion.
The march and vigil, which is also in partnership with the European Movement UK, will be addressed by UK, Ukrainian and European politicians. The Mayor, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK Vadym Prystaiko, the director of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Hanya Dezyk, the director of the Ukrainian Institute Oleysa Khromeychuk, and chair of London Councils Georgia Gould will be among those providing an address.
Anyone wanting to donate to help the victims of conflict will be encouraged to donate to UNCERF, and a special Yoko Ono print will be available to buy with proceeds donated to UNCERF.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It has been heartbreaking to watch this unprovoked and shocking attack unfold against the Ukraine people over the last few weeks.
“Our capital has a long history of providing sanctuary to those fleeing conflict, and I’m proud that Londoners have already shown their willingness to help by donating money to charities and signing up to house refugees.
“I know many people are wondering what else they can do to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and this Saturday I urge everyone to unite to send a message to the world that we stand together with the people of Ukraine.
“Together we will march and unite in Trafalgar Square to show our support for our friends in Ukraine and call for an urgent end to this atrocity.”
Dame Helen Mirren said: “It has been devastating to see this horrific ongoing attack against the people of Ukraine, and my thoughts are with them at this terrible time. It’s important that we send a message of support so that Ukrainians know that they are not alone, and I’m proud that the people of London are standing together in their name this Saturday.”
Anna Bird, CEO of the European Movement, said: "The European Movement believes now, more than ever, that it's time to unite across parties, organisations, faiths, beliefs and backgrounds to condemn this act of Putin's aggression. Our duty is rooted in a belief that a closer, more united and peaceful Europe is in all of our interests. So, I hope you will join us in condemning Putin, expressing solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and participating in a march that is both sadly historic but deeply necessary. I truly think that is the least we can do."
Hanya Dezyk, Board Director of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain said: “We are heartened that Londoners and visitors from across the UK will be joining together in London to send a message of solidarity with the people of Ukraine. It has been incredibly difficult for Ukrainians living in the UK and across the world to see what is happening to our homeland, and the sight of people uniting in the streets in our name gives us hope and strengthens our resolve to fight for Ukraine’s freedom"
Josef O’Connor, Founder & Artistic Director, CIRCA, said: “We’re proud and honoured to commission with Serpentine this global presentation by Yoko Ono - an artist who has consistently campaigned for peace and inspired us all to imagine a better world."
Bettina Korek, Chief Executive Officer and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of Serpentine, said: “We are honoured and humbled by Yoko Ono’s powerful contribution. IMAGINE PEACE embraces an urgent call that continues the artist’s lifelong efforts to bring peace to the world. We are so grateful to Yoko for responding to our invitation through compelling simplicity and transcending poetry.”
Derek Manns, Commercial Media Director at Landsec said: “Piccadilly Lights is the proud canvas for messages that unite and inspire people across London and the UK. We’re pleased to be supporting this important moment and display of solidarity.”
Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, said: “Thank you Yoko Ono, CIRCA and Serpentine for their amazing support to the UN’s emergency fund. All proceeds will go to vital relief work in Ukraine and other crises. I thank every individual who bought a print. Your contribution will save lives and livelihoods and show a precious ray of hope to those who need it most.” Photo by Shamil Khakirov from Ukraine, Wikimedia commons.