Ukraine war anniversary LIVE: Zelensky says he will win war this year and calls on ‘friend Rishi’ to send fighter jets

President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed his calls for the Prime Minister to send fighter jets to Ukraine, one year on from Russia’s invasion.

During a press conference on Friday he asked a British journalist “Where are our typhoon aircraft?” and followed with “Please ask my friend Rishi [Sunak]”.

During the conference he also said the worst moment since the war began was the Bucha massacre, when hundreds of civilians were killed by Putin’s troops.

“What I saw there. The moment we de-occupied Bucha, it was horrible. What we have seen - the devil is among us,” he told journalists.

Mr Zelensky’s reflections came as Rishi Sunak agreed with G7 leaders to intensify military aid for Ukraine’s armed forces.

In a statement after meeting virtually they pledged to deepen sanctions against those aiding Russia's war effort.

Separately, Washington released details of new measures it was taking that not only targeted Russia but also "third-country actors" across Europe, Asia and the Middle East that are supporting Russia's war effort.

Britain also issued more sanctions against Russia, including export bans on every item it has used on the battlefield and import bans on iron and steel goods.

Mr Sunak led the UK in a minute’s silence at 11am from outside Downing St as the King issued a message praising the “remarkable courage and resilience” of Ukraine’s people.

Charles said in his message: “It has now been a year that the people of Ukraine have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation. They have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy.”

Central London street near Russian embassy named ‘Kyiv Road’ for anniversary

07:06 , Josh Salisbury

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the year’s anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

Among the many things the UK is doing to mark the sombre anniversary include a section of a central London street near the Russian embassy being renamed Kyiv Road.

The new address covers a small section of Bayswater Road, running from Palace Court to Ossington Street, and is a short distance from the Russian embassy.

Leader of Westminster City Council, Adam Hug, said the new road name was "a fitting gesture" to commemorate Ukraine's inspiring bravery.

He said: “As the centre of an international capital, it seemed to us entirely fitting that part of our city should carry a torch for the unbowed defenders of Ukraine.”

Ukraine’s Eurovision winners: We hope for war victory this year

07:11 , Josh Salisbury

The frontman of Ukraine’s Eurovision-winning act Kalush Orchestra, Oleh Psiuk, has said he hopes his country will be able to host the contest next year.

The group were triumphant at last year's competition in Turin, Italy, which would traditionally mean their home country would host the event the following year.

However the UK is hosting the 2023 contest on behalf of the war-torn country after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) concluded it could not safely organise the event amid the Russian invasion.

Speaking to the PA news agency a year on from the outbreak of war, 28-year-old Mr Psiuk said: “We would very much like this year to finally bring such a long-awaited victory to Ukraine ... We hope that we will all celebrate together."

Russia banking on ‘exhausting Ukraine’ after failures, says MoD on anniversary

07:18 , Josh Salisbury

Russia is primarily seeking to degrade Ukraine’s military rather than being focussed on capturing new territory due to its failed military campaign, British defence officials said.

In an assessment released on the anniversary of the invasion, the Ministry of Defence said Russia’s initial attempt to seize the whole country and depose the government on February 24, 2022 had failed.

“By April 2022, Russia realised this had failed, and focused on expanding and formalising its rule over the Donbas and the south. It has made slow and extremely costly progress,” it said.

“In recent weeks, Russia has likely changed its approach again. Its campaign now likely primarily seeks to degrade the Ukrainian military, rather than being focused on seizing substantial new territory.

“The Russian leadership is likely pursuing a long-term operation where they bank that Russia’s advantages in population and resources will eventually exhaust Ukraine.”

Ukrainians recall ‘white terror’ as Russia launched bloody invasion a year ago

07:24 , Josh Salisbury

Ukrainians have recalled the horror of the early days of invasion as they fled their homes barefoot to escape Russian bombs.

British-Ukrainian student Valentina Butenko, who was in Kyiv when missiles began raining down on the capital a year ago, said: “The first thing I remembered from February 24 was the sound of a huge bang or an explosion, and I woke up and there was an immediate understanding of what had happened.

"There was this sense of white terror - it has begun and this idea that what had begun could bring an end to so many things that I hold dear, and I think that took a few moments to process, but when something like that happens and your family is there, you go into survival mode.”

Dmytro Krishovsky, a graphic artist who lives close to Kyiv, said when he thinks back to February 24 of last year his arms feel like “frost".

The 34-year-old said: “At four o'clock in the morning, when the first explosions sounded, I woke up and opened Facebook, and saw many of my friends posted 'It had begun'. My wife (Iryna, 30) came back to the room running and started to get the kids ready in pyjamas, barefoot.

“We took the cat, some belongings, the pet snail we bought the day before and ran to the car."

UK unveils further Russia sanctions to mark anniversary

07:31 , Josh Salisbury

Britain has issued more sanctions against Russia, including export bans on every item it has used on the battlefield, to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Foreign Office said on Friday the internationally co-ordinated sanctions and trade measures would target aircraft parts, radio equipment and electronic components.

It will also target more Russian executives including those at the nuclear power plant Rosatom and others who work at defence groups and Russian banks.

“Military intelligence has shown that a shortage of components in Russia as a result of sanctions is already likely affecting their ability to produce equipment for export, such as armoured vehicles, attack helicopters and air defence systems," the Foreign Office said.

Mayor announces funding for up to 600 new homes for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees

08:00 , Bill Mcloughlin

Sadiq Khan has announced the funding for 600 new homes in London for Ukrainians and Afghans who have fled conflict and are homeless, at risk of homelessness or living in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

With the bridging accommodation for Ukrainians set to end in the coming months under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, the Mayor has been allocated £126m from the Government’s £500million Local Authority Housing Fund to enable boroughs and housing associations to deliver 600 affordable homes.

City Hall, Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and other London landmarks will be lit up to join an international moment of solidarity with Ukrainians in London and abroad to mark the anniversary of the invasion on Friday.

Mr Khan said: “I’m committed to supporting refugees who have come here to rebuild their lives and do everything I can to help them thrive in their local community.

“That’s why I’ve announced a new programme which will see City Hall deliver up to 600 affordable homes for Ukrainians and Afghans fleeing conflict, giving those who have been through such harrowing upheaval the stability they deserve.

“I’m doing all I can to build a better and fairer London for everyone by helping councils house refugees through my existing Right to Buy-back fund, and I’m helping migrants and refugees navigate the complex immigration system by funding advice services to provide new arrivals with key information about their rights.

“However, there are still too many refugees living in unsuitable accommodation. We need the Government to urgently step up and provide the right funding to local authorities, the voluntary sector and immigration advice services so that every refugee in need has the home and support they need.”

Theresa May pays tribute to Ukraine

08:18 , Bill Mcloughlin

Former Prime Minister, Theresa May has paid tribute to the people of Ukraine on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the state.

Russia adopting a ‘meat-grinder approach’ to invasion

08:36 , Bill Mcloughlin

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Russia has been forced to adopt a "meat-grinder approach" after its forces have failed to make a breakthrough in Ukraine.

Mr Wallace told Times Radio that the Russian army was suffering "huge losses" on the battlefield for very little gain in territory.

"It will move effectively to a meat-grinder approach where it just keeps sacrificing its own soldiers for the vanity of the Kremlin.

"That's why we see huge losses amongst the Russian army and only gains, where we see gains, in metres not miles."

UK willing to supply jets to allies

08:51 , Bill Mcloughlin

Britain is prepared to supply fighter jets to eastern European allies to enable them to release their Soviet fighters to Ukraine, Ben Wallace has said.

Mr Wallace told Times Radio: "The other quick way that Ukraine can benefit from fighter jets is for those countries in Europe that have Russian Soviet fighter jets - MiG 29s or Su-24s - if they wish to donate we can use our fighter jets to backfill and provide security for them as a result.

"They are already configured to fight in a Nato way, where of course Ukraine isn't."

Matter of time before Putin is on trial for war crimes, says US envoy

09:12 , Bill Mcloughlin

Speaking to Sky News, Beth Van Schaack, the US ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice said nations are working together to build a case against the Russian president.

"We need to connect the crimes we're seeing on the ground, that we have very clear digital evidence of, with those in the position of command and control," she said.

"So, go up the chain of command; who ordered these offenses? Who allowed them to be committed?

"Who has failed to prosecute and investigate those deemed most responsible? Who has failed to properly supervise their subordinates?"

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attends wreath-laying ceremony

09:36 , Bill Mcloughlin

EU Commissioner President Ursula von der Leyen attends a wreath-laying ceremony at the War of Independence Victory Column during Independence Day celebrations in Tallinn, Estonia.

Zelensky attends ceremony on the anniversary of the invasion

09:41 , Bill Mcloughlin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a ceremony in Kyiv to mark the anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

In an earlier video address to the nation, Mr Zelensky recalled the terror unleashed a year ago by the Russian assault, triggering Europe's biggest and deadliest war since the Second World War.

He said February 24, 2022, the date of the Russian invasion, was "the longest day of our lives".

"We survived the first day of the full-scale war. We didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but we clearly understood that for each tomorrow, you need to fight. And we fought," he said.

Boris Johnson and Sadiq Khan attend service at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London

09:57 , Bill Mcloughlin

Boris Johnson and Sadiq Khan have attended a memorial service at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in central London to mark the anniversary of the invasion.

Ahead of the ceremony, Mr Khan said: “ London stands with Ukraine—today and always. At 11am today, City Hall will join a moment’s silence in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”

King Charles praises ‘courage and resilience’ of Ukrainians

10:19 , Bill Mcloughlin

King Charles has sent a tribute to the people of Ukraine on the anniversary of the invasion.

In his statement, Charles praised the “courage and resilience” of Ukrainians who have “suffered unimaginably” due to Russia’s invasion.

“It has now been a year that the people of Ukraine have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation. They have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy.

“The world has watched in horror at all the unnecessary suffering inflicted upon Ukrainians, many of whom I have had the great pleasure of meeting here in the UK and, indeed, across the world, from Romania to Canada,” he said.

“Therefore, I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid, but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united.”

UK gives £1.5 billion to humanitarian aid

10:30 , Miriam Burrell

The UK has given £1.5 billion in economic and humanitarian support since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Here is a summary of the Government’s support to Ukraine over the past year:

Pictured: Sydney Opera House lights up in support of Ukraine

10:34 , Miriam Burrell

Watch: Key moments in a year of war

10:41 , Miriam Burrell

London street to be renamed Kyiv Road

10:44 , Miriam Burrell

A small section of Bayswater Road - running from Palace Court to Ossington Street - will be renamed Kyiv Road.

Leader of Westminster City Council, Adam Hug, said the new road name was “a fitting gesture” to commemorate Ukraine’s inspiring bravery.

He said: “The request for a new place name has come from the Ukrainian community itself. Westminster is home to Ukrainians displaced by the war, and our residents have opened their hearts and their doors to those fleeing Putin’s war machine.

Read more here.

UK to observe a minute’s silence at 11am

10:54 , Miriam Burrell

Rishi Sunak will lead the UK in observing a minute’s silence at 11am today to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine.

The prime minister is expected to lead the nation in silence from Downing Street.

Individuals and businesses will be encouraged to participate in taking one minute to reflect.

“As a nation we pay tribute to the incredible bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people,” said Mr Sunak.

Ukrainian Ambassador arrives at No10

10:59 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian Ambassador to UK, Vadym Prystaiko and his wife Inna Prystaiko, walk outside Number 10 Downing Street ahead of the minute’s silence.

Rishi Sunak leads minute’s silence

11:06 , Miriam Burrell

Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Londoners gathered across the capital for a minute’s silence at 11am to mark one year since Russia invaded Ukraine.

The Prime Minister was joined outside No 10 by wife Akshata Murthy, Kyiv’s ambassador to Britain Vadym Prystaiko and dozens of Ukrainian troops being trained by the UK.

After the national pause, the Ukrainian national anthem was sung.

Pictured: People gather across UK for minute’s silence

11:27 , Miriam Burrell

Polish tanks already in Ukraine, defence minister says

11:33 , Miriam Burrell

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawieck has delivered the first Leopard tanks to Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv on Friday, the president said.

Andrzej Duda told a meeting of the National Security Council he was happy that Poland was the first nation to offer the advanced tanks to Ukraine.

Poland has pledged 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and called on other European nations to follow suit. It was unclear how many tanks arrived on Friday.

Ukrainian troops train in England

11:47 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian troops have taken part in urban warfare training at a military base in the South of England, on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Three hundred Ukrainian troops as well as 150 UK, Canadian and Lithuanian soldiers earlier took part in a service at an Army camp in the south-east of England.

US pledges additional $2bn in aid to Ukraine

11:52 , Miriam Burrell

The US announced a new $2 billion package of long-term security assistance for Ukraine on Friday.

It includes sending more rounds of ammunition and a variety of small, high-tech drones into the fight.

The Pentagon said the aid includes weapons to counter Russia’s unmanned systems and several types of drones, including the upgraded Switchblade 600 Kamikaze drone, as well as electronic warfare detection equipment.

It also includes money for additional ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, artillery rounds and munitions for laser-guided rocket systems.

The US has now committed more than $32 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.

Zelensky awards servicemen in Kyiv

12:03 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded servicemen during a ceremony in the St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian teen pianist performs in Liverpool

12:08 , Miriam Burrell

A teenage pianist who fled Ukraine when war broke out has performed in Liverpool to mark a year since the start of the invasion.

Alisa Bushuieva, 13, and her mother Svitlana left their home in Kharkiv last February.

Speaking before the performance, Alisa said: “This will be a very memorable occasion for me and something I will never forget.”

Southeastern train named ‘Spirit of Ukraine'

12:16 , Miriam Burrell

Southeastern Railway has named a Class 707 City Beam train ‘Spirit of Ukraine’ to mark one year since Russia’s invasion.

An unveiling ceremony took place at Cannon Street Station in London, including a performance from members of the Canterbury Ukraine choir.

Labour supports Govt decision on jets

12:31 , Miriam Burrell

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has given his backing to Rishi Sunak’s Government’s approach to supporting and arming Ukraine, including on the issue of jets for Kyiv.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said backfilling allies with the UK’s jets to free up their own would be a quicker way to bolster Kyiv’s defences than providing them with British Typhoons.

Sir Keir Starmer said: “We should provide all the support that we can, we should do it in lockstep with Nato.

“The Prime Minister has said, that fighter jets are part of the conversation, and I think the Government is right about that.

“We are not going to politically divide on this. We will support the Government in the decision that it makes.”

G7 leaders meet this afternoon

13:00 , Miriam Burrell

The leaders of the G7 are meeting virtually this afternoon, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Sunak is expected to urge other leaders to move faster in arming Ukraine’s defence, and to provide more artillery and air defence support.

Sky News reports that Mr Sunak will also reiterate his promise that the UK is ready and willing to supply replacement jets to eastern European allies.

This would enable them to release their Soviet fighters to Ukraine, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said earlier on Friday.

Meanwhile Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he plans to present a set of “new ideas” for sanctions against Russia.

Pictured: Commemorations around the globe

13:12 , Miriam Burrell

Sweden is latest country to promise tanks for Ukraine

13:38 , Miriam Burrell

Sweden will send up to 10 Leopard tanks and anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Defence Minister Pal Jonson said on Friday.

The announcement comes just hours after Poland said it had already delivered four Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said they are prepared to deliver more quickly during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv.

Floral tributes outside Ukrainian Embassy

13:47 , Miriam Burrell

Floral tributes have been placed outside the Ukrainian Embassy in Holland Park, London.

Fresh sanctions imposed on Russia

14:09 , Miriam Burrell

The US is imposing a new round of Russian sanctions in co-ordination with G7 allies on the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

The sanctions will be aimed at Russian firms, banks, manufacturers and people and entities that helped Russia evade sanctions earlier in the year-long war against Ukraine.

Russia’s metals and mining sector is among those targeted in one of the US treasury department’s “most significant sanctions actions to date”, according to the agency.

The action seeks to punish 250 people and firms, puts financial blocks on banks, arms dealers and technology companies tied to weapons production, and goes after alleged sanctions evaders in countries from the United Arab Emirates to Switzerland.

Joe Biden issues statement of support for Ukraine

14:50 , Bill Mcloughlin

US President Joe Biden has issued a statement praising Ukraine and those who have defended the country.

“From Kherson to Kharkiv – Ukrainian fighters have reclaimed their land. And in more than half of the territory Russia held last year, the Ukrainian flag proudly waves once more,” he said.

He accompanied the message with a picture of him and Volodymyr Zelensky walking together in Kyiv.

Zelensky visits wounded soldiers with Polish PM

15:16 , Bill Mcloughlin

Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki met with injured soldiers at a Kyiv hospital on Friday.

"Poland was with us even before the start of the full-scale war, was with us every minute of this year and, I am sure, will be with us until our victory," Mr Zelensky wrote in a post on Telegram.

Tribute paid to children who have died in Ukraine

15:28 , Bill Mcloughlin

The walls and gates along Holland Park Avenue have been lined with toys by pupils from the nearby Ukrainian school as a tribute to the children who have lost their lives in the war.

First Leopard tanks arrive in Ukraine

16:18 , Bill Mcloughlin

The first Leopard tanks have arrived in Ukraine. In pictures, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz were seen shaing hands in front of the battle tanks.

‘It was horrible’: Zelensky reflects on Bucha massacre

16:58 , Miriam Burrell

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the most horrible moment in the past year was the Bucha massacre.

In a press conference on Friday afternoon, he told journalists: “What I saw there. The moment we de-occupied Bucha, it was horrible. What we have seen - the devil is among us.”

Hundreds of civilians were killed in the town just outside of Kyiv by Putin’s troops in what has widely been condemned as war crimes.

‘Our support for Ukraine is not time-limited'

17:02 , Miriam Burrell

The Foreign Secretary, speaking at the UN Security Council, urged other countries to send a clear message that support for Ukraine will not be “time-limited”.

“Military assistance and humanitarian aid are not enough because when this war is over... we must never allow Ukraine again to be left vulnerable to attack.”

James Cleverly said: “One year on, one year into this terrible, terrible war, let us in this chamber send a clear message.

“Our support for Ukraine is not and will never be time-limited. Our defence of the UN Charter is not and will never be time-limited.”

G7 taking action against Russian supporters

17:18 , Miriam Burrell

The G7 is taking actions against third-country actors “materially supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine,” the bloc said in a statement on Friday as it reaffirmed its support for Ukraine.

“We call on third-countries or other international actors who seek to evade or undermine our measures to cease providing material support to Russia’s war, or face severe costs,” the G7 said.

“To deter this activity around the world, we are taking actions against third-country actors materially supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.”

Londoners march to the Russian Embassy

17:29 , Miriam Burrell

People marched from the statue of Saint Volodymyr in Holland Park, London, to the Russian Embassy in Bayswater on Friday in solidarity with Ukraine.

PM backs calls for China to engage with Ukraine

17:43 , Miriam Burrell

Rishi Sunak has supported President Zelensky’s calls for China to engage with Ukraine, adding that peace could only be achieved on Ukraine’s terms.

The Prime Minister held a virtual meeting with G7 leaders on Friday.

“Ukraine’s resilience and courage since the start of the full-scale invasion had been extraordinarily inspiring,” Mr Sunak said.

The leaders also discussed the strong show of support for Ukraine at the UN last night, and the Prime Minister emphasised that by supporting Ukraine, the international community was upholding the UN’s Charter.

Reflecting on China’s ceasefire proposals, the Prime Minister supported President Zelensky’s calls for China to engage with Ukraine.

“The Prime Minister added that the international community needed to support Ukraine with long-term military and security assurances to send a strong message to President Putin that the global support was enduring.”

Service for Ukraine at Westminster Abbey

17:47 , Miriam Burrell

An Evensong service has been held at Westminster Abbey in London to mark the one year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, read the second blessing. The service is being attended by over 60 ambassadors and Deputy Heads of Mission.

Zelensky asks UK: ‘Where are our aircraft?'

18:30 , Miriam Burrell

President Zelensky has been asked by a British journalist what will happen if victory is not secured this year.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday afternoon, he replied: “I do not even want to think about it.

“We are partners. We have to be together. We will win.”

Then he asked the reporter: “Where are our typhoon aircraft?”

The reporter responded: “I’ll ask.”

“Please ask my friend, Rishi,” said Mr Zelensky, smiling.

Zelensky hopes to meet Chinese president

18:34 , Miriam Burrell

China called for a cease-fire and peace talks between Ukraine and Russia on Friday, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautiously welcomed the comments.“China has shown its thoughts. I believe that the fact that China started talking about Ukraine is not bad,” Mr Zelensyy told a news conference.

“But the question is what follows the words. The question is in the steps and where they will lead to.”

Mr Zelenskky said his main goal was making sure China doesn’t supply weapons to Russia, he said.

“It is Point No. 1,” he said.

He also said he’d like to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Pictured: Liverpool lights up in support of Ukraine

18:56 , Miriam Burrell

UK attractions lit up in colours of Ukrainian flag

19:12 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The London Eye and Blackpool Tower have been lit up in the yellow and blue of Ukraine’s national flag.

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin has also been illuminated...

19:35 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

G7 pledges ‘unwavering’ support for Ukraine

19:37 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

In a joint statement, G7 leaders have committed to intensifying “diplomatic, financial and military support for Ukraine” as well as “increasing the costs to Russia and those supporting its war effort”.

In the statement issued on Friday evening, they also pledged that “solidarity will never waver in standing with Ukraine, in supporting countries and people in need, and in upholding the international order based on the rule of law”.

Canada announces extra support for Ukraine worth nearly £20mil

19:48 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Canada has announced more than 32 million Canadian dollars (£19.68m) in support to further strengthen Ukraine’s security and stabilisation, to mark the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The aid includes C$7.5 million for demining efforts and more than C$12 million to counter chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, the ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement.

Protesters gather outside Russian embassy in London

19:58 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Crowds have gathered for a demonstration outside the Russian embassy in London this evening.

Protesters were pictured holding a large Ukrainian flag, while some wore fake blood on their faces.

Eiffel Tower lights up in yellow and blue in support for Ukraine

20:23 , Tammy Hughes

Ukrainian national anthem rings out from Edinburgh Castle

21:10 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Ukraine’s national anthem has echoed around the walls of the national war memorial at the top of Edinburgh Castle as a service took place to mark the anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

Ukrainian families, representatives from the Scottish and UK governments, members of the armed forces and consuls from countries worldwide gathered to pay tribute to the lives lost so far.

The service saw dozens of wreaths lain at the Scottish National War Memorial inside the castle, while a one-minute silence was also observed.

Led by one of Scotland’s Ukrainian Catholic priests, Father Vasyl Kren, and Karen Campbell, padre to Legion Scotland, the service heard prayers and the call to remembrance, and observed a one-minute silence.

The Last Post and The Rouse were played, before the event ended with the national anthem of Ukraine being sung to an accompanying piper.

The first anniversary of Russia’s invasion draws to a close

22:29 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

That brings our live blog to an end for today. Thanks for following along.

For more coverage of the war in Ukraine and other world news, click here.