Lisbon protesters warn of ‘Ruscism’ as current-day fascism

LISBON – A pro-Ukrainian rally took place outside the Russian Embassy in Portugal’s capital city to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Participants denounced the Kremlin’s ongoing war against Ukraine and accused the Russian regime of reviving fascist tactics. 

Pavlo Sadokha, UWC Vice-President and President of the Union of Ukrainians in Portugal, spoke at the event and called for global solidarity with Ukraine. 

Around 50 people — both Ukrainians and Portuguese — joined the demonstration, chanting slogans such as “Ruscism is the new fascism.”

“Today’s Russia is retracing the steps of Nazi Germany,” the rally goers said.

Protesters emphasized that the war in Ukraine is no longer a regional conflict. Ukrainian forces, they said, are now fighting not only Russians, but also troops from other countries, including North Korea.

“This war already bears the hallmarks of a global conflict. It has been officially confirmed that North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces,” Sadokha said. “Once again, Ukraine finds itself at the epicentre, defending Europe from a totalitarian regime — one we believe is as criminal as Nazi Germany.”

He added that current efforts to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin echo the failed attempts of European nations to appease Adolf Hitler.

“That approach led to the greatest catastrophe of the 20th century. It seems global leaders have not learned the right lessons. If the world doesn’t unite behind Ukraine now, the next tragedy could be even more devastating,” Sadokha said.