PEOPLE in Alloa have shown their support for war-torn Ukraine, on the one-year anniversary of the ongoing Russian invasion.

Residents from across Clackmannanshire were invited to the Wimpy Park to participate in the Bright the Sky for Ukraine event on Friday, February 24.

The event marked a year since Putin's botched attempt to bring Ukraine's government to its knees in just a short few days, 12 months since missiles started falling on major cities and nearly 365 days since the Wee County began to collect aid.

The community-led Clacks Ukraine Support group organised the event to show support for the people of Ukraine who have endured destruction since, those who are bravely fighting back and those who paid the ultimate price.

It was a chance to reflect on how fragile peace can be and the cruel fact that war continues in 21st century Europe.

However, the event was also an opportunity to highlight the support provided to both those who could or would not flee their homes and continue to endure and those who have since arrived to the Wee County after being displaced.

Some 40 gathered at the Wimpy Park on the evening, including local residents and people who have settled in the Wee County since.

Candles were lit with blue and yellow colours representing the Ukrainian flag and safe, biodegradable, sky lanterns were released while folks sang “Oi u luzi chernova kalyna” (Oh in the meadow a red guelder rose).

Yuri, a minister from Kyiv who is fast becoming a well-known name in the county, gave an eloquent speech which was translated for the crowd.

Karolina Juszczyk, one of the organisers and key drivers behind the Clacks Ukraine Support group, told the Advertiser: “We need to show solidarity because without solidarity there will be no freedom and without free Ukraine there will be no free Europe.”

As reported last week, more than 500 boxes of aid have recently been sent from the Wee County to Ukraine.

Support first made its way to Perth before being handled by a charity in Poland to eventually arrive in Kharkiv.

Karolina told the Advertiser that since the boxes left Marshill House, an individual who wished to remain anonymous has donated a large amount of medical supplies.

Items such as syringes, IV kits, disinfectant and more will be embarking on the same journey by the end of this week.