Ukraine remains defiant a year to the day since the horrific Russian invasion

The President and citizens of Ukraine remained unfazed tonight as the anniversary of the Russian invasion approached.

A quiet tension fell on kyiv and many expected a barrage of missiles across the country.

Throughout the day, Russia had been firing volleys at Ukrainian troops and civilians taking refuge in the east.

The usually busy streets of Kyiv quieted down as residents hurried home.

Air raid sirens were tested and the city's bomb shelters were prepared for a major bombardment from cruise missiles and drones.

President Zelensky spoke online about the memories of the war.

He said, "They remind us of how far we've come from February to February.

Crowds at a United With Ukraine vigil in Trafalgar Square, London, this evening (

Picture:

PENNSYLVANIA)

"We have overcome many trials and we will overcome.

"We will hold to account all those who have brought this evil, this war to our land. All the terror, all the killing, the torture, the looting.

"Russia has chosen the path of the murderer. The path of the terrorist. The path of the torturer. The path of the looter.

"The state will be responsible for the terror committed."

Previously, staff and evacuees of the Depaul Kyiv Day Center recalled fleeing their hometown amid intense shelling at the start of the war.

The centre, supported by the British Embassy, ​​provides emergency aid to refugees, including shelter, food and clothing.

Sergiy, from Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv, in the northeast, fled to the capital soon after Russian troops stormed the border.

Rebellious and provocative, he said: "I expect victory in the near future.