Emotional pleas urging people not to forget about the plight of war-torn Ukraine were made on the steps of Norwich City Hall.

The rally took place on Saturday - a day after the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Eastern Daily Press: Nazar Biletskiy, four, at the rally outside Norwich City Hall, on February 25, 2023, calling for continued support for Ukraine.Nazar Biletskiy, four, at the rally outside Norwich City Hall, on February 25, 2023, calling for continued support for Ukraine. (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

It was supported by Ukrainians who now call Norwich and Norfolk home after fleeing the country and many host families under the government's Homes for Ukraine project.

Eastern Daily Press: Ukrainian national Natalia Scott, from Sprowston, leading the rally outside Norwich City Hall on February 25, 2023, calling for continued support for Ukraine.Ukrainian national Natalia Scott, from Sprowston, leading the rally outside Norwich City Hall on February 25, 2023, calling for continued support for Ukraine. (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Ukrainian national Natalia Scott, 45, from Sprowston, who led the protest, said: "It is very important but sad we have to gather here. We don't want the world to forget we are fighting for our democratic values and independence.

"Every day the Russians are killing innocent people."

Mrs Scott added she was proud of the UK's support for Ukraine but added it was crucial that governments provided weapons to Ukraine and economic sanctions against Russia were tightened up.

READ MORE: Ukrainian refugee Ana Petrenko reflects on invasion

One of the speakers who was given sanctuary in Norwich, was UEA economics student Yeva Maiakova, 18, who escaped Staroblisk in the eastern part of Ukraine with her mother and left the country on April 27.

Eastern Daily Press: Yeva Maiakova, 18 (fifth on the right) with her host family Rev David Lloyd and his wife Anna (fourth on the right) and their two children Georgia (12) and Zachary (14), at the Ukraine war rally in Norwich on February 25, 2023.Yeva Maiakova, 18 (fifth on the right) with her host family Rev David Lloyd and his wife Anna (fourth on the right) and their two children Georgia (12) and Zachary (14), at the Ukraine war rally in Norwich on February 25, 2023. (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Miss Maiakova, who was given a home thanks to Rev David and Anna Lloyd in Norwich, along with her mum, said: "We were so scared of being so far away from home for an undefined term. However, meeting Anna, Dave and their family became the best thing that happened.

"Thank you to every person who helped and accepted us in their country. We will never forget that.

"The one thing we have is hope that the next day will be better. That's why we are here today reunited and ready for another fight for our freedom."

Mrs Lloyd, 40, who works for international children's charity Street Child, told the crowd: "We are behind you."

Another host, Derek Jackson, 42, from Unthank Road area, said it was an honour to take in people from Ukraine.