Last Saturday, February 24, 2024, marked the second year of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. That day thousands of people marched through Dublin in a demonstration organized by the Ukrainian Action in Ireland group. A march was called #WalkWithUkraine and was attended by about 5,000 people. It started at 11:00 on O’Connell Street. Demonstrators marched to Merrion Square, where the rally took place.
This peaceful rally was joined not only by Ukrainians, but also by Irish people and people from different parts of the world who showed their support and unity with the people of Ukraine.
Demonstrators passionately shouted “Free Ukraine” and demanded Russia’s withdrawal from the country. Ukrainian and Irish flags waved high as participants carried placards bearing slogans such as “Peace for Ukraine,” “Putin is a killer,” “Thank you, Ireland,” and “Glory to Ukraine.”
Many people in the crowd wore Ukrainian flags wrapped around their shoulders and traditional floral wreaths on their heads.
In gratitude for Irish support since the war’s onset, Ukrainians also expressed their appreciation. Notably, Ireland has provided refuge to 100,000 Ukrainians under EU temporary protection rules since the war commenced.
Addressing the demonstrators gathered at Merrion Square, Larysa Gerasko, Ukraine’s ambassador to Ireland, urged “all democratic nations” to remain resolute in their support for Ukraine.
“I want to remind everyone that the war is already in Europe, just behind you, just next to your door,” she emphasized. “All democratic nations, we must stop Russian aggression, and we must stop Putin.”
Ms. Gerasko further appealed to attendees to advocate for governments to increase armament assistance to Ukraine. “The situation on the frontline, in the battlefield, is very difficult and very serious,” she said.
“We require more weapons, arms, and ammunition to defend ourselves and to protect you.”
The member of a group called ‘Pensioners Against Putin’, which has protested every day at the Russian Embassy since the beginning of the war, also gave a speech and emphasised the importance of support for Ukraine from ordinary people. “We can’t change the course of this war, but we can show our solidarity with people in Ukraine.”
Maria Starukh, the director of the Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland, said that she is pleasantly surprised by the number of people who showed up. “It is very important to show the world what is going on in Ukraine every day, to speak up about all war crimes. War is not over. And to stop Russia the whole democratic world must be united.”
One Response
I am very glad that people are so supportive of Ukraine. it is very important. Thanks to the author for the article.