The 31st anniversary of Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union was marked in Barking and Dagenham with a special flag-raising ceremony.



The yellow and blue colours were flown from Barking Town Hall on Wednesday 24 August at 9.45am. The town hall was also illuminated to mark the occasion.

This year’s anniversary was particularly poignant as, as well as being Ukraine’s Independence Day, the date marked six months since the invasion of the country by Russian forces.

The flag was raised by the Leader, Cllr Darren Rodwell and the Council’s Acting Chief Executive, Fiona Taylor.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell said: “Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones or are forced to continue living through the on-going conflict.

“We are flying the Ukrainian flag at Barking Town Hall to show our ongoing solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people as they continue to fight for freedom and democracy values we strongly share in Barking and Dagenham.

Anyone wanting to help anyone affected by the Ukraine crisis can find more information at lbbd.gov.uk/ukraine-crisis-how-you-can-help.

 For more details about flag-raising events or to donate a flag, visit lbbd.gov.uk/flag-flying.