Solidarity with Ukraine

The Northern Spire bridge, Penshaw Monument, Keel Square, Fulwell Mill, Seaburn Lighthouse, Hylton Castle and the Beacon of Light are all being lit in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

They are being lit from dusk today (Tuesday 1 March) for the following four nights.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller said: "Landmarks across the world are being lit to show and express solidarity with the people of Ukraine. I know that the residents of our city have strong views and feelings about what is happening in Ukraine and it's only right and correct that we express and show our solidarity.

"The people of Ukraine have won and are winning a lot of admiration for their stand against President Putin. We have seen the protests, we have seen the images of the suffering and we can see the defiance.

"Ukrainians are very serious about defending their country and their freedoms and we here in Sunderland are serious about showing our solidarity with them. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Ukraine and that there is an end to the bullying, aggression and war that Mr Putin has brought to Europe."