Ukrainians dwelling in Northern Eire have gathered at Belfast Metropolis Corridor to mark their nation’s independence day.
The date was celebrated with music, women and men wearing conventional clothes in addition to a show of Ukrainian arts and crafts.
Northern Eire Workplace minister Conor Burns joined the crowds, and was warmly acquired as he spoke with individuals, even donning a flower garland hat at one stage.
The gathering was made extra poignant approaching the six-month anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian president Vladimir Putin’s regime.
Marina Furey, who's initially from Znamjanka however has been dwelling in Lisburn, Co Antrim for 18 years, stated they needed to point out assist to Ukrainian refugees within the area in addition to present their tradition to native individuals.
“Right now we rejoice independence day, it’s been 31 years since we bought our independence and it's also six months precisely because the Russian invasion of Ukraine so we wish to present our assist to Ukrainian refugees who've come to Northern Eire,” she informed the PA information company.
“We had a stall to offer out info for many who have come to Northern Eire not too long ago, but in addition we wish to present native individuals slightly little bit of our tradition, with our music and to assist Ukraine outdoors Ukraine.”
Ms Furey nonetheless has household in Ukraine, and stated it's unhappy and anxious for her because the battle goes on.
“It nonetheless feels unreal that's it occurring, that it's nonetheless happening, heartbreaking,” she stated.
“I’m proud to be Ukrainian nevertheless it’s not the identical as being again dwelling to rejoice independence day.
“I've spoken to some refugees who've come to Northern Eire, a few of them are discovering it arduous to get was a distinct language and being so removed from dwelling.
“That’s why we're right here to offer assist and assist to those that want it.”
Efforts are nonetheless ongoing to gather help to ship to Ukraine.
“We're gathering humanitarian help throughout Northern Eire, there are assortment factors, together with one in Lisburn the place I reside,” she stated.
“We're gathering necessities, equivalent to ladies’s and youngsters’s necessities, we now have a spot in Mallusk the place we separate donations into packing containers.
“Final Tuesday we despatched 18 tons of help of humanitarian help which reached Ukraine right now, and might be delivered to the place it's wanted.
“Folks have misplaced their properties, they want garments, and all of the necessities, particularly for infants, meals and blankets.”