'We miss our loved ones and our home' is the message from a Ukrainian refugee in Dorset as the county prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the invasion.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 has uprooted thousands of Ukrainians and changed their lives forever - with more than 900 people settling in Dorset.

This Friday is the one-year anniversary of the invasion and people in Dorset are preparing to hold vigils and hoist flags to show their support for the war-torn nation.

Maryna Dobvysh is a Ukrainian refugee living in Dorset and is one of the organisers behind a candlelight vigil in Weymouth on Friday marking the anniversary.

She said: “It is hard to believe that a year of full-scale war has passed in the centre of Europe. 

“It's frightening that people are starting to get used to it. Killed Ukrainians, destroyed cities, and the shelling of civilian objects - these are just daily news bulletins. But it is not. Thousands of lives are ruined.

“We will never be the same again, and now we really miss our loved ones and home. So today we want to tell the world - help Ukraine win and stop the terrorist country, which is a danger to the entire civilized society.”

The vigil will take place on the Weymouth Esplanade on Friday, February 24 from 6pm at the Jubilee Clock. This is almost a year on since an estimated 100 people gathered at the clock near the start of the war in March 2022 for a candlelight vigil showing solidarity for Ukraine.

Weymouth councillor Luke Wakeling said: "I recall the candle-lit vigil, shortly after the outbreak of the war. Little did we know then, that a year later, the war would still be ongoing. 

"It's been humbling to see so many Weymouth residents open their homes and welcome refugees to our town.”

Dorset Echo: The Jubilee Clock is lit up in the colours of the Ukraine flag. Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography

In Dorchester, at 11am on Friday Dorset Council will be raising the Ukrainian flag over the County Hall along with a minute's silence.

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services, said: “As we mark the anniversary of this conflict, we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine and reaffirm our commitment to those fleeing the conflict in their homeland.

“We will raise the Ukrainian flag to send a clear message of support, especially to those Ukrainians who have chosen to make our county their home in the past year.”

In Bridport, the Chapel in the Garden will be holding a special service from 6pm to mark the invasion and there will be a candlelight vigil held in Lyme Regis at 6.30pm at the performance area of the Marine Parade Shelters.