Diplomats in London Honor Ukraine and Celebrate Estonia's Independence Day with a Frigid Swim in Hyde Park.

As Ukraine marked the one-year anniversary of the start of Russia's invasion, diplomats and fellow countrymen from Estonia gathered in London's Hyde Park to show their support in an unusual way - a dip in the frigid waters of the Serpentine lake. Estonia's Ambassador to the U.K., Viljar Lubi, organized the event to pay tribute to Ukraine's perseverance against Russia's aggression, as well as to celebrate his own country's Independence Day, which falls on the same day. Despite the temperature hovering at just 37 degrees Fahrenheit, dozens of participants stripped down to their bathing suits and took the plunge.

According to Lubi, the Estonian tradition of taking a dip in freezing water is believed to improve one's health and build resilience. "This is all about building resilience, which we all need," he said.

Ukraine's ambassador to the U.K., Vadym Prystaiko, cheered on the swimmers but opted not to join in. While he acknowledged the tribute was "unusual," he welcomed the display of support. Prystaiko offered a message of hope for Ukrainians at home and abroad, saying he believed his country would survive Russia's aggression. "I know we will get through this war, and we will come to the reconstruction of Ukraine, which has been devastated by Russians," he said.

Later that morning, Prystaiko joined British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Downing Street to observe a solemn minute of silence, as Big Ben's and Elizabeth Tower's bells rang out to mark one year of war.

Across the world, vigils and ceremonies were held to show support for Ukraine. Even in Serbia, which maintains friendly relations with Russia, hundreds of demonstrators turned up for a march against the war. In Germany, pro-Ukraine activists defiantly dumped a destroyed Russian T-72 tank in front of Berlin's Russian Embassy, as a symbol of their determination to stand with Ukraine and bring down Putin's regime.

Despite the unconventional nature of the swim, Lubi's event served as a powerful display of solidarity with Ukraine and a celebration of Estonian independence. "It's a small country but we feel like we can contribute to peace and security," he said. "We want to celebrate our independence, but we also want to express our solidarity with Ukraine." The event was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that strength can be found in unity and resilience. Photo by Rept0n1x, Wikimedia commons.