Main image: A solidarity march was held in Luxembourg on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Photo: Ivan Krychkivskyi
Over the weekend, Ukrainians and their supporters took to the streets in Luxembourg and Paris to demonstrate solidarity and mark the ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
In Luxembourg, several hundred people gathered for a march organized by LUkraine. Participants carried a large Ukrainian flag alongside the flags of Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, and Poland, reflecting broad international support.
“1,459 days – that is how long the Ukrainian people have endured. When Russia invaded, not only Ukrainian cities but the entire world order was targeted,” said Mykola Zharov, President of LUkraine.
He emphasized the importance of fundamental principles: that borders cannot be changed by force, civilians must not be targeted, truth must prevail, and sovereign states cannot be conquered simply because a stronger power decides so.
Luxembourg’s Minister of Defense, Yuriko Bekes, condemned the ongoing attacks on civilians and infrastructure. “Putin could have stopped this war long ago,” Bekes said, adding that Luxembourg will remain on “the right side of history” and continue supporting Ukraine. Barbara Karpetova, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Luxembourg, echoed the sentiment, noting, “Every step we take today matters. Every flag, every candle, every voice counts. Hope grows stronger when it is shared.”
Meanwhile in Paris, approximately 2,000 people joined a Ukrainian solidarity march on February 21, commemorating the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Marchers walked from Place de la République to Place de la Bastille, urging France and the international community to maintain support for Ukraine.
Vadym Omelchenko, Ukraine’s Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to France, addressed the crowd, saying,
“The enemy does not hide its intentions. The cynical calculation of the Russian terrorists is to destroy energy infrastructure, freeze and exhaust people, break their morale, provoke chaos, and force Ukrainians to capitulate.”
He emphasized that the Ukrainian army continues to defend not only its own territory but all of Europe, and called for persistent efforts to achieve victory and lasting peace.
“We sincerely thank France and the French people, President Macron, and his team, for their support, brotherhood, and solidarity,” Omelchenko added.
The march also featured speeches from representatives of the Ukrainian community. The Union of Ukrainians in France highlighted the urgent need to protect the rights of more than a million Ukrainian children living under Russian occupation. Participants collectively called on European nations to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann raised critical questions about European action, asking,
“Why has Ukraine still not been provided with long-range missiles? Why have frozen Russian assets not yet been seized? Europe can and must do more.”
The marches in Luxembourg and Paris underscore the enduring international solidarity with Ukraine, even as the conflict enters its fifth year.
