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Ukrainians stage mass protest in London to demand Putin leave their country

Ukrainian protesters in London were moved when they said they were “angry” at Russia’s invasion.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Russian Embassy in Kensington and Downing Street on Saturday afternoon to call on Vladimir Putin to withdraw from Ukraine.

Waving flags, banners and placards, protesters sang the Ukrainian anthem and chanted “Putin stop war”, Putin go home” and “free Ukraine”.

Helena Kovalenko, 33, from northern Ukraine, told PA news agency: “I am so angry with Putin for invading my Ukraine.

“I have family there, my mum and dad, and I’m so scared for them.”

Ms Kovalenko, who has lived in the UK for nine years, added: ‘I am here today to call on this country for help – Putin must go.

The crowd, which blocked a path outside the embassy, ​​shouted “Down with Putin” and held up posters comparing the Russian leader to Hitler.

Some had tears in their eyes, while others were visibly angry as dozens of police watched.

Others used chalk to draw the Ukrainian flag on the embassy wall, and flags were attached to the door.

Another protester said he was there to “show solidarity” with Ukraine.

Flowers were distributed and donations were collected to help those still in Ukraine.