Ukrainians in the city are set to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of their country with a variety of events.

Saturday, February 24, marks two years to the day since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in a conflict which has killed thousands of civilians and soldiers and left many more displaced.

Since the start of the war, some 650 Ukrainians have come to Brighton and Hove as part of the government’s Homes For Ukraine scheme.

A protest will take place on Saturday in front of the Palace Pier, followed by a procession to the Peace Statue and a candle-lighting ceremony at 6pm.

A special commemoration event for those affected by the war in Ukraine will also take place on Sunday from 3pm at All Saints Church in Hove, with speeches, exhibitions and performances.

It comes as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky admits that delays in the delivery of weapons from Western allies are opening a door for advances by Russian forces.

Ukrainian officials have expressed frustration at the slowness of promised aid deliveries, especially since signs of war fatigue among its allies have emerged.

In a daily video address on Monday, Mr Zelensky said Russia had built up troops at some points along the 930-mile frontline, apparently aiming to pounce on any perceived defensive weakness.

He said: “They [the Russians] are taking advantage of delays in aid to Ukraine.”

Ukrainian soldiers withdrew from the strategic eastern city of Avdiivka over the weekend, where they had battled a fierce Russian assault for several months despite being outnumbered and outgunned.

The Ukraine family scheme, which allowed applicants to join family members or extend their stay in the UK, closed on Monday, in a move that has been criticised by MPs.

Home Office minister Tom Pursglove told the House of Commons: “There will continue to be an in-country opportunity for people to apply to extend their visas.

“Through the Homes For Ukraine scheme, Ukrainians will still be able to come to the UK to access that sanctuary that we are right to be proud of supporting and that we have seen communities across the country doing an enormous amount of positive welcome work to support that national effort.

“Any suggestion that that will not be the case moving forward is wrong and it’s deliberate scaremongering and people should stop it.”