A VIGIL for the people of Ukraine organised by Exeter City Council Leader Phil Bialyk and held in Bedford Square, Exeter, saw hundreds of people attend, including many from Crediton, earlier today, Sunday February 27.

Cllr Bialyk, who has family in Ukraine, said he organised the "Exeter Stands with Ukraine" vigil on a personal basis as a non-political event to show solidarity with those facing a humanitarian crisis.

Cllr Bialyk made a plea for Russia to stop its war against Ukraine.

Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw also spoke at the vigil, making impassioned pleas to Russian President Putin to stop his attacks on Ukraine.

Cllr Bialyk said: “We have been in constant contact with our family in Ukraine, and all are safe for the moment.

“Many of us have families in the Ukraine, and we are concerned about what is happening."

He said he hoped the vigil would reach all people who wished for peace.

He said it was an emotional, peaceful and quiet gathering, adding that it was a way in which people in Exeter could demonstrate their support for the people of Ukraine.