The night Newcastle’s Quayside turned blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine

Gateshead’s Millennium Bridge shone blue and yellow on Friday night
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Newcastle's Quayside was bathed in blue and yellow night on Friday night as the Gateshead Millennium Bridge shone the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

The display was organised by Gateshead Council to show solidarity with those in Ukraine following Russia's invasion of the country last week.

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Passers-by on the Quayside stopped to take in the poignant site and think about events currently unfolding in Eastern Europe.

Gateshead Council released a statement on social media condemning the actions of Russia and reassuring any Ukrainian locals on Tyneside that they had the council's support.

A Council statement read: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragic events in Ukraine.

"This evening, the Millennium Bridge will be lit blue and yellow to express solidarity.

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"The developments in Ukraine however anticipated are horrific, we must stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

The Quayside on Friday night (Image: Toby Bryant / NewcastleWorld)The Quayside on Friday night (Image: Toby Bryant / NewcastleWorld)
The Quayside on Friday night (Image: Toby Bryant / NewcastleWorld)

"Gateshead Council condemns the actions of Russia, we want to reassure the Ukrainian nationals who reside in the borough, those who have loved ones, families, and connections to Ukraine that they have our support."

Last weekNATO expansion’: Newcastle Stop The War group issue strong statement on Ukraine invasion"> NewcastleWorld heard from the local branch of the Stop the War group.

A spokesperson demanded that NATO stop its expansion to help kerb tensions.

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A spokesperson said: “Stop the War demands a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

“We call on Russian troops to be withdrawn, but we are also demanding our government stops sending troops and arms to the region, talking down diplomacy and whipping up tension.

“We also demanding an end to the NATO expansion that has done so much to stoke this crisis and a lowering of tension through nuclear arms reduction, other arms control measures and a return to the Minsk accords and a withdrawal of British troops and arms from the region.”

Barry Sweeney, the father of Liam who lost his life in the MH17 crash due to the tensions, also begged the Government to not send any troops to the country.

He said: "No more British soldiers, I'm afraid.

"Regardless of what has happened in the past.

"I know there's a lot of anger."