MEMORIAL services have been held across Wiltshire to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has resulted in over 150,000 people being killed.

They were held by Ukrainian refugees on Saturday (February 24) at St Thomas’ Church in Trowbridge, at Westbury Gardens in Bradford on Avon and at Malmesbury Abbey.

Wiltshire Times: Dozens of people attended a packed St Thomas’ Church in Trowbridge for the Ukraine Memorial Service on Saturday evening. Image: Trevor Porter 76833-1Dozens of people attended a packed St Thomas’ Church in Trowbridge for the Ukraine Memorial Service on Saturday evening. Image: Trevor Porter 76833-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The war in Ukraine began two years ago on February 20 2022 and has so far resulted in the loss of thousands of soldiers and civilians.

To mark this, a service with the theme of hope was held from 5-6pm at St Thomas' Church in Trowbridge. Refreshments were served afterwards.

Wiltshire Times: More than 100 people braved the rain to come together at Westbury Gardens for the memorial service. Image: Trevor Porter76829-5More than 100 people braved the rain to come together at Westbury Gardens for the memorial service. Image: Trevor Porter76829-5 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Meanwhile, the service at Westbury Gardens was organised by the Bradford on Avon Ukraine Refugee Support Group which invited all to attend the event at 9.30am.

Group spokesperson Nataliia Mishchenko said: “We want to thank those who continue to fight for the freedom and independence of Ukraine and to honour the memory of all fallen soldiers.”

In Malmesbury, a 30-minute vigil was held at the Market Cross before a service in both Ukrainian and English at Malmesbury Abbey.

Wiltshire Times: Malmesbury's mayor Cllr Gavin Grant at Saturday's vigil at the Market Cross to mark the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine.Malmesbury's mayor Cllr Gavin Grant at Saturday's vigil at the Market Cross to mark the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine. (Image: Trevor Porter)

The services were held to show Wiltshire towns’ solidarity with Ukraine on the second anniversary of the start of the war.