For the third month in a row, actions in support of Ukraine continue around the world. Peaceful demonstrations are accompanied by widespread support from political leaders, the media, and prominent public and cultural figures.
SWEDEN
Last weekend, Stockholm held another large-scale protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Along with the Ukrainian community, locals opposing the horrors of Russia’s devastating war in Ukraine gathered at Norrmalmstorg. Speakers and participants called for effective support for Ukraine, including the closure of airspace over Ukraine.
Similar events have taken place in various parts of Sweden, including Gothenburg, where the Ukrainian Community in Gothenburg, an organization cooperating with the UWC, operates: Demonstration i Göteborg mot Rysslands invasion i Ukraina | SVT Nyheter . The head of the organization, Oleksandra Tershak-Gustav, spoke on the radio: Olexandra från Tanum ber Sverigeryssar om hjälp: “Lägg ner vapnen” – P4 Väst | Sveriges Radio and was published in the local press: Ukrainskfödda Olexandra om Rysslands invasion (goteborgdirekt.se)
CROATIA
On March 10 and 12, mass rallies took place in the Croatian capital, Zagreb, in support of Ukraine’s struggle for independence from the Russian occupier and in support of its accession to the EU. Representatives of the Croatian government, local residents, and diplomats declared their solidarity with Ukraine side by side with Ukrainians.
As a sign of solidarity with Ukraine, the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education has suspended cooperation with the Russian Federation in the field of science. Currently, the Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ) is preparing to offer short-term stays at Croatian research institutions to Ukrainian scientists at the initiative of this Ministry. The program will include a process of rapid evaluation of applications and ensuring continuous scientific work of Ukrainian scientists. Currently, four academic and research institutions in Croatia have opened the possibility of accepting Ukrainian scientists to continue their research: the University of Rijeka (UNIRI), the Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI), the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb, and the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (IZOR) in Split.
HELSINKI, FINLAND
On Saturday, March 12, the Ukrainian Association in Finland joined forces with the organizers of the “Mothers for Peace” march to hold a joint action in support of Ukraine. Numerous participants in the peaceful demonstration marched to Helsinki’s Senate Square with posters reading “Close the skies over Ukraine,” “Stop terrorism,” and “Stop Putin’s war.” During their speeches, they declared their solidarity with Ukraine and its people and called on the world to stop the horrific actions of the Russian aggressor on Ukrainian soil.
LEBANON
A rally took place near the walls of the Russian embassy in Beirut with the participation of representatives of the Ukrainian community, diplomats, and local residents. This is the third action and the second picket of the Russian diplomatic mission. On Taras Shevchenko’s birthday, protesters carried signs reading “Fight, fight, God help you!” and called on the world to close the skies over Ukraine to stop the deaths of innocent people. At the conclusion of the rally, the participants attached photos on the wall of this latest genocide of the Ukrainian people which is happening before the eyes of the world. Watch the video.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
On Sunday, March 13, thousands participated in the “Stop Putin’s War” March in the center of the Austrian capital in support of Ukraine, demanding an end to Russian aggression against the Ukrainian people and the closing of the skies over Ukraine. The march, organized by the Unlimited Democracy NGO, gathered in the central Heroes’ Square. Participants honored the memory of the victims of the Russian war in Ukraine and marched in a huge column with Ukrainian flags through the city center.
SAN DONÀ DI PIAVE, ITALY
On Saturday, March 12, the Ukrainian women’s organization Lastivka, together with other NGOs, held a rally in the city of San Donà di Piave. The participants called for closing the skies over Ukraine, Ukraine’s accession to the EU, and helping Ukrainians affected by the Russian war. The mayors of the city of San Donà di Piave and local residents joined the rally of several thousand.
TORONTO, CANADA
On Sunday, March 13, the Ukrainian community in Toronto gathered in large numbers near the US Consulate to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their courageous struggle against Putin’s devastating aggression. Several thousand Ukrainians demanded to close the skies over Ukraine and to do everything possible to stop the genocide of the Ukrainian people as soon as possible. Such rallies in Toronto are led by the local branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
