THOUSANDS of anti-war campaigners will gather in London today to mark the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine and to make renewed calls for peace.

The action by the Stop the War Coalition (STW) and Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) is a part of an international call on governments and Nato to end their escalation of the conflict, with rallies taking place in hundreds of towns and cities — including Manchester and Sheffield.

Campaigners are demanding urgent peace talks to end the deaths and avert the risk of nuclear war.

They are also calling on the British government to prioritise a diplomatic solution instead of using it for more military spending during a cost-of-living crisis.

CND general secretary Kate Hudson said: “Nuclear dangers have grown enormously in the last year and world leaders are refusing to put their foot on the brake.

“As we mark the first anniversary of this awful war, voices across Europe are growing to demand dialogue and peace.

“Our government should heed that call and stop pouring fuel on the fire.”

STW convener Lindsey German said: “The overwhelming need now is for peace in Ukraine. The war has already seen terrible loss of life and destruction.

“If escalation continues it will only worsen with the growing threat of wider war and nuclear conflict.

“[Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s invasion must be condemned but we also should condemn the warmongering of Nato and the British government which prevented peace talks last year.”

To mark the anniversary of the invasion yesterday, a Ukrainian flag bearing the words “Stop War” was displayed at a vigil in Bradford in West Yorkshire.

The clock tower at Bradford City Hall was also lit up in the colours of Ukrainian flag.

In London, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was joined by Ukrainian ambassador Vadym Prystaiko and dozens of Ukrainian troops being trained by Britain for a national one-minute silence outside 10 Downing Street.

Peace campaigners in Manchester have called for support for the anti-war demonstration in the city today, organised by Greater Manchester and District CND (GMDCND).

The group issued a statement calling for immediate peace talks and an end to the conflict.

In South Yorkshire, Sheffield STW will also stage a demonstration outside the city’s town hall starting at noon.

The London demonstration will assemble outside the BBC at Portland Place at noon before marching to Trafalgar Square where a rally will be held.

Speakers will include public figures, MPs, campaigners, musicians and trade union representatives.

Correction: February 28, 2023