Hundreds of Ukrainians call for European solidarity in Brussels
Several hundred Ukrainians and sympathisers gathered at the place de l'Albertine in Brussels on Sunday afternoon to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion. They commemorated the victims of the war, but above all called for European solidarity with Ukraine. “European countries must continue to support Ukraine, to protect Ukraine is to protect Europe,” they declared.
“Europe must be brave and stay by Ukraine's side until the end,” said one speaker. “Make no mistake, Russia is weak. It has lost huge numbers of soldiers, the economy is collapsing, only with a so-called victory can Putin save face. After all, three years after the start of the war, he has not achieved any of the predetermined goals.”
The contacts and talks that have taken place in recent days and weeks between the new US administration, led by president Donald Trump, and the Kremlin inspire little confidence.
Demonstration in solidarity with Ukraine in Brussels © BELGA VIDEO ANTONY GEVAERT
“No one should think that an end to violence today would mean the end of Russian aggression,” declared a speaker. “Russia wants to destroy Ukraine and will not stop until that happens. We want peace, but it must be a just peace, not a peace on Putin's terms or on Trump's terms. And there can only be peace when every occupier of Ukrainian territory is driven out.”
“Europe needs to wake up and realise that it is strong enough to defend itself and defend Ukraine,” added a speaker. “The time for endless meetings is over, we have heard enough promises that have not been carried out. It is high time for a no-fly zone over Ukraine and the release of all frozen Russian funds to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.”
Demonstration in solidarity with Ukraine in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO BELPRESS
Related news
