The clock tower above Welwyn Garden City's council building lit up yellow and blue in solidarity with Ukraine on Friday evening - marking one year since Putin's invasion began.
Council staff joined people across the UK in observing a minute’s silence at 11am on Friday in a further show of solidarity, and to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people in the face of the Russian onslaught.
A vigil, organised by Daria Diak, Julia Sosnovsca and Cllr Michal Siewniak, was also held in Welwyn Garden City town centre.
There was a moment for a prayer, cake sale, photo exhibition and an opportunity to listen to the Ukrainian anthem.
Daria said: “A year ago, we could not believe that someone could encroach on the territorial integrity of an independent and sovereign state by launching a full-scale invasion.
"This unjust and unprovoked war takes many innocent lives daily. At our gathering that marked one year since the beginning of the war, we felt not only the unity of the Ukrainian community, but also the support of the local population and council.
"We are very grateful to Cllr Michal Siewniak and Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Cllr Barbara Fitzsimon, for supporting us on such a tragic day for all Ukrainians."
The event participants could view a photo exhibition by Ukrainian photographer Maksym Kozmenko entitled Ukraine. Where the peace ended.
Maksym has been documenting the war in Ukraine from the very first days.
"I am very grateful to everyone who joined our gathering. Your support is extremely important for each of us in these difficult times," he said.
Julia Sosnovsca added: “'It was an emotionally difficult, however, very important event. We can't forget and ignore this horrible terror and genocide against the Ukrainian people.
"It's priceless that people from all over the world show their support and solidarity. I am proud that the town where I live stands with Ukraine.
"It shows kindness and big hearts of our community. We believe peace must come soon, and Ukraine will celebrate the victory.''
Cllr Michal Siewniak concluded: “It was simple, moving and beautiful. There was a lot to digest and reflect on while standing in the town centre or attending the second part of our gathering at the United Reformed Church.
"I think that the event was an important reminder that peace can’t be taken for granted and that it is fragile.
"Moreover, we are truly blessed that we don’t have to flee unjustifiable war and persecution. We want to thank the United Reformed Church for hosting and County Cllr Paul Zukowskyj for co-funding our important initiative.”
So far, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has helped to resettle 150 adults and children over the course of the last 12 months – matching them with people who have generously offered their homes to those in need, and supported them in other ways, including courses, and special passes for local sports facilities.
Council leader Tony Kingsbury said: “We feel many emotions when we see that it’s been one year since this brutal, appalling invasion of Ukraine.
"Shock, anger that war is still raging and killing innocent people, and determination that it will be over one day soon.
“However, out of this darkness we have the light of everyone’s generosity in welcoming people from Ukraine who have come to the UK. We want to say thank you to our communities in Welwyn Hatfield for their hospitality and warmth in helping those arrivals."
A council worker, Svitlana McLean, who is Ukrainian and has family still in the country, said: “I would like to thank our council for its support to me personally and to many Ukrainian families that we already supported and continue assisting.
“The UK Government and the council’s support for Ukraine and its people is invaluable and without this support Ukraine in itself would not be where we are in terms of our plight for freedom."
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