Photo by Cédric VT on Unsplash
Over 7,000 people took part in a demonstration in Brussels on Sunday against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
The gathering, on the initiative of “Promote Ukraine,” an NGO, is part of an international campaign commemorating the second anniversary of the war.
The demonstration was supported by no less than 13 organisations and citizens committed to supporting Ukraine, associations of Ukrainians in Belgium, pan-European movements and people active in the defence of human rights.
Participants demanded the “immediate withdrawal” of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory and an unconditional end to bombing.
The demonstrators marched behind a large banner bearing the slogan “Choose Security – Vote Ukraine”.
People chanted “Stand up, unite, protect Europe”, “Ukraine wins-democracy wins”, “Arm Ukraine now”, “Support Ukraine, protect Europe”, “Make Russia pay”.
Commenting, Marta Barandiy, Chairwoman, Promote Ukraine, told this website: “The Battle for Europe is happening in Ukraine right now. In the face of tyranny, solidarity stands as our strongest weapon. Today, in Brussels and across the globe, we raised our voices against injustice and aggression.”
“Let this demonstration be a beacon of hope for Ukraine, a testament to the power of unity in the fight for democracy. Together, we demand peace, we demand justice, and we stand with Ukraine until victory is secured,” added Barandiy.
Aiga Liepiņa, the Ambassador of Latvia to Belgium , said, ‘’My country Latvia has supported Ukraine since day one. But in order to win, Ukraine needs our support in the future. Both in deeds and words. We have to support Ukraine until its complete victory.”
“And – we will continue tirelessly explaining to our partners what is at stake. By supporting Ukraine, we protect our freedom. Ukraine is not only fighting for us but fighting instead of us. Therefore we must ensure the means that enables Ukraine to win,” added Liepiņa.
The demonstration was attended by the ambassadors of Poland, Taiwan and Latvia to Belgium, and Temporary Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine in Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
The organisations involved were: NGO Association of Ukrainians in Belgium; The European Liberal Youth, LYMEC; European Movement International; The Association Of Ukrainian Women in Belgium; Union of European Federalists; Promote Georgia;Ukrainian Voices RC; Young European Federalists JEF Europe ; Human Rights Centre ZMINA; charitable organization Ruthenia; the Strategic Initiative Center; Lithuania’s Genocide and Resistance Research Center and Standing with Giants.
