3,500 people demonstrate in Brussels in solidarity with Ukraine
Around 3,500 people took to the streets of Brussels on Sunday in a show of solidarity with Ukraine to mark two years since Russia's invasion on 24 February 2022.
From 11.00, yellow and blue flags adorned the intersection of Boulevard Anvers and Boulevard Roi Albert II near Place Rogier. The messages on the banners called for the release of Ukrainian hostages and emphasised that Ukraine's victory was a triumph for democracy.
The march continued along Boulevard Pacheco before converging on Place de l'Albertine, where speeches were delivered.
The rally, spearheaded by Promote Ukraine, expressed concern that the attention paid to the conflict by political leaders, the media and the general public has diminished. The organisation stressed that two years of suffering, sacrifice and resilience require sustained collective action.
European values
The organisers highlighted the threat that Russia's invasion poses to fundamental European values such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law and also drew attention to the broader disruptions that Russia has caused in various sectors, including media, business, social networks, politics, the economy, energy and culture.
The demonstration was intended to serve as a statement in the heart of Europe, reminding the leaders and citizens of the EU that Ukraine's fate is inextricably linked to the broader struggle for democracy and human rights across the continent.
War crimes
At a press conference on Sunday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky lamented the loss of 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers since the start of the conflict.
Ukrainian prosecutor general Andriy Kostin said that more than 120,000 war crimes committed by Russian forces had been meticulously documented. He said investigations had led to numerous convictions and claimed that the full range of atrocities had been committed by Russian forces throughout the conflict, with Ukrainian courts already handing down 80 sentences.
© BELGA PHOTO & VIDEO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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