People gather at dawn for the ceremony showing support for Ukraine one year on. Photo: RNZ / Kate Green
Ukraine is strong, but cannot win this war alone - that's the message those gathered on the Wellington waterfront heard today, as Ukrainians, supporters and officials gathered to mark one year since Russia's invasion.
The event was organised by the European Union Delegation, and many people wore blue and yellow ribbons, badges or held flags.
Some of those attending carried the Ukraine flag. Photo: RNZ / Kate Green
Defence Minister Andrew Little, speaking to a group of more than 100 people just before dawn, assured them New Zealand would continue to look for ways to support Ukraine.
Coinciding with the one-year anniversary, the government has announced another suite of sanctions against Russia, targeting individuals with strategic relevance to Russia and proximity to President Vladimir Putin.
The BBC reported the most senior United States general estimated 100,000 Russian and 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or injured since the war began.
As well as Little, other state ambassadors and high commissioners attended, along with Wellington City councillors and the Mayor, Tory Whanau.
Andrew Little throws a sunflower into Wellington Harbour, as a mark of respect and support for Ukraine. Photo: RNZ / Kate Green
Little said the world had seen an "incredible spirit of resistance" from the people of Ukraine.
But as a reasonably new democracy, Ukraine could not have stood up to Russia on its own, and it had the support of many countries around the world.
So far, Little said, New Zealand had provided combat training to Ukraine fighters in the UK, along with financial support.
This was an important conflict for the democratic world, he said.
"Countries like ours, like our counterparts around the world, cannot stand by while a major force like Russia illegally invades a neighbour."
The Ambassador for the European Union in New Zealand, Nina Obermaier, said the collective goal remained a democratic Ukraine, with its full sovereignty restored.
"We stand here in solidarity with Ukraine," she said.
The EU and its allies stood in solidarity with Ukraine, the EU ambassador said. Photo: RNZ / Kate Green
A painful year for exiles
Ukrainians in Wellington said it had been a year of worry and pain.
Andriy Legenkyy, a Ukrainian living in New Zealand, said against all odds, his country has carried on.
"This war has claimed the physical lives of many, but it has claimed our lives too. We cannot be normal, when our loved ones, our country, are assaulted every day," he said.
"We are physically here, but mentally, we are there."
He told the crowd Russia must be beaten on the battlefield, and this struggle would define the world their children inherited.
He believed this year would be a turning point in the war.
The event concluded with those gathered throwing sunflowers into the harbour, the day brightening around them.
Supporters of Ukraine prepare to throw sunflowers into the water. Photo: RNZ / Kate Green
