With its mix of independent shops, parks and historic landmarks Salisbury is certainly a city of many colours - but only two were filling the streets of our medieval city today: yellow and blue.

The tragic events of the past few days feel quite close to home here - a place that experienced first hand what Putin's Russia is capable of.

It's perhaps not surprising then that hundreds of people turned out today to pray for and support Ukraine in a bright, moving but most importantly, peaceful, display of solidarity.

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Organised by Ukrainian national Olga Kott, who is originally from the city of Zaporizhzhya in south-east Ukraine, the event began in the Cathedral Close where families, children and older people got together just after 1pm.

Many were wearing yellow and blue outfits while others were holding yellow and blue signs, flags and balloons.

It became immediately apparent that many more people had showed up than initially expected.

Salisbury Journal:

A few minutes later crowds made their way inside the Cathedral, where Canon Anna Macham led a brief but touching ceremony.

Olga's husband Taras read out a poem written by his mum while Olga herself lit a candle for Ukraine - a moment followed by a poignant round of applause.

Salisbury Journal:

After the service, many carried on with their daily business, but around 100 or so supporters walked to the Market Place - waving flags, holding signs and singing Ukrainian anthems.

For Olga, a 38-year-old business owner based in Andover who has lived in the UK for 15 years, the event went beyond her expectations.

"I didn't expect so many people to come," she said.

"It's a great support for us because we cry every single day, every single night."

Salisbury Journal: Organiser Olga KottOrganiser Olga Kott

"My mum, my dad, my sister, my goddaughter, all my friends from university, from school, my neighbours... A lot of people are affected from the different cities now, they are all in danger," she added.

Fighting in Ukraine has been going on four days, after Russian troops began an unprovoked invasion from three different sides.

While thousands have managed to flee to neighbouring countries, millions more remain in Ukraine, taking shelter in underground car parks, metro stations and basements.

Olga's family and friends are among those still in the country.

Salisbury Journal:

Talking about the conflict, the mum-of-two said: "It's not supposed to happen nowadays, it's not our war, people want peace, they pray for peace.

"They don't want to fight but they have to."

In the Market Place, supporters of all nationalities (Ukrainian, Polish, Belorusian, Slovakian and of course British) shared messages of solidarity, before going on to pose for group photos.

It was a day many will remember. 

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