On February 24, 2024, LUkraine and Asti gathered around 2000 residents of Luxembourg, politicians, diplomats, Ukrainian refugees, and all supporters of Ukraine to commemorate the second year of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
The main message of the demonstration, ‘Ukraine’s Fight – Europe’s Future!’, was to remind everyone that the future of Europe depends on Ukraine, which defends democracy and justice. All countries should join efforts to stop Russia in Ukraine to prevent the spread of conflict across Europe.
The march started at the Gare Central, moving along Avenue de la Liberté, over the Pont Adolphe, along Boulevard FD Roosevelt, and up to Place Clairefontaine, where an official Commemorating Ceremony took place.
The speakers included:
- Nicolas Zharov, the President of LUkraine;
- Claude Wiseler, the President of the Chambre of Deputies of Luxembourg;
- Marc Angel, the Vice-President of the European Parliament;
- Anna Calteux, Head of Representation at the Representation of the EU Commission to Luxembourg;
-Vladimír Bärtl, Czech Republic Ambassador in Luxembourg;
- Sam Elsey, the President of the Luxembourg Youth Parliament;
- Christos Floros, a Luxembourgish politician and friend of Ukraine.
Nicolas Zharov, the President of LUkraine, emphasized the common historical experiences shared by Luxembourgish and Ukrainian people. He stated, “Just as Nazi Germany occupied Luxembourg during World War II, claiming that the country had always been part of Germany and not recognizing the national identity of Luxembourgers, Russia creates false narratives about Ukraine’s belonging to the Russian world, justifying their unjust, unprovoked war against humanity.” He also highlighted the five pillars of Russian aggression that Europe should take measures to fight against – Enforcing Military Power, Disrupting the Unity of the West, Enhancing Propaganda, Creating Dependency on Energy Resources, and Extending Allies Network. The action points are described in the Manifesto for United and Peaceful Europe that LUkraine developed before the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale aggression and published on its website.
Claude Wiseler, the President of the Chambre of Deputies of Luxembourg, ensured unwavering support for Ukraine, stating, “The Parliament of Luxembourg will always support Ukraine, no matter the majority’s opinion. If we need to be here next year – and I hope it will be over – we will be here next year, and we will show exactly the same solidarity as we did the last two years”
“The support of the European Parliament remains resolute and unwavering. It has supported the 13 packages of sanctions against Russia. It has called for ambitious military aid, more humanitarian aid, and will continue insisting on rebuilding Ukraine using frozen Russian assets,” said Marc Angel, the Vice-President of the European Parliament.
“Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the European Union has provided 88 billion euros in aid to Ukraine, 28 billion of which has been allocated for military assistance. Strengthening military assistance to Ukraine is our priority, and we will continue to invest in it,” said Anna Calteux, Head of Representation at the Representation of the EU Commission to Luxembourg.
Photo credits: Kateryna Mostova
