PARIS – The unexpected appearance of Volodymyr Kogutyak, UWC Vice President for Western Europe and Association of Ukrainians in France (AUF) Vice President, at a pro-Russian rally in central Paris on May 8 unsettled attendees and sent a clear message of resistance.
The rally, held on the so-called “Victory Day” – a date frequently leveraged by the Kremlin for propaganda purposes – was closely observed by Kogutyak, who later recounted the experience in an interview with VITA TV and provided comments for the UWC.
His presence didn’t go unnoticed.
Kogutyak said that participants at the rally recognized him as a leader of the Ukrainian community.
“They felt uneasy, under pressure, and some even feared for their safety,” Kogutyak recalled.
While Paris authorities allow such events to take place, the Ukrainian community remains actively engaged.
“Although we were unable to prevent the rally, my goal was to send a clear message: we see them, we are watching, and we will not allow covert support for Russia to go unchecked,” he said.
At the rally’s conclusion, Russian attendees laid flowers at the statue symbolizing friendship between France and Russia. In a contrasting response, Ukrainians placed photos of children deported by Russia from Ukraine at the site.
“This was to remind everyone of Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian children,” Kogutyak said.
As a sign of protest, Kogutyak shouted “Glory to Ukraine!” in the midst of the pro-Russian gathering.
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