The blue and yellow Ukrainian flags were the dominant colours at the protest. However, people of all nationalities gathered at Place de l’Europe to demonstrate against the Russian invasion on Wednesday afternoon. People form Luxembourg, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, India, and Poland showed their support, only to name a few. The message was clear: stop President Putin and end the war in Ukraine.
Eight-year-old Liza and her mother Christina were among the first Ukrainian refugees to arrive in Luxembourg on Monday. The young mother expressed frustration over not being able to help on the ground in her home country: “I wish I was there, I had so many things at home that I could have given to people. I am happy to be safe here, but my thoughts are back home.” Christina intends to actively support Ukraine from Luxembourg as much as possible.
Russian-born Olga has been living in the Grand Duchy for seven years and also joined the protest in support of Ukraine: “Yes, I am Russian, but I am completely against the war. I do not support the Russian President and I am truly ashamed for what is happening.” Olga thus feels for all her Ukrainian friends who are suffering under the circumstances.
Denis is a refugee from Belarus who came to Luxembourg four years ago: “I fled Belarus to get away from the murdering Lukashenko regime. I came here today because Ukraine and Belarus have a common problem: Russia.”
Vilmantas moved from Lithuania to the Grand Duchy 15 years ago: “I love Luxembourg as a democratic and beautiful place, and I wish that Ukraine can become a similar place for all Ukrainians.”
Despite overwhelming support, people at the protest were also aware that solidarity alone will not stop President Putin. Viktor Holedonets from non-profit organisation ‘LUkraine’ organised the gathering and noted: “I think that sanctions have to be reinforced to a maximum level.” Protestors also demanded that Ukrainian airspace should be closed off completely and that more military and humanitarian aid must be given to the people of Ukraine.
