2,500 people at Rally on the Third Anniversary of the Ukrainian War in Vienna

"February 24 may not be a happy day for (Russia's President Vladimir) Putin, but it is a very important day with tragic content for all of us, for us Ukrainians, but also for Europe and our friends," said Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Khymynets at the beginning of the rally. He emphasized that Ukraine was originally given only a few days, but Ukrainians are strong and will become even stronger. He thanked in German for the support and help of the last three years, which is highly appreciated in Ukraine.

Federal Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) recalls the day of remembrance in a statement: "Since day one of the brutal Russian war of aggression, Austria has stood by the side of the Ukrainian people. As a sign of solidarity, the Burgtor shines today in the Ukrainian national colors. We will continue to support the people in Ukraine in the future!"

"So far, the EU and the member states have provided over 134 billion euros in support - more than all other donors," said Patrick Lobis, the representative of the EU Commission in Austria, in his speech. Since a just and lasting peace can only be achieved through strength, the EU would continue to strengthen Ukraine's resilience on military, humanitarian, and economic levels, Lobis assured. On the steps to the parliament, numerous other ambassadors and chargés d'affaires from EU states stood with their respective national flags.

Expressions of solidarity came from Vienna's Deputy Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS), who also drew parallels to his family history and mentioned that his father had to flee from "Russian tanks" from Hungary in 1956. "I find it tragic that people now have to flee from Russian tanks again," he said. Wiederkehr spoke of his responsibility to support Ukraine so that they can win this fight for freedom. Among others, National Council members Petra Bayr (SPÖ) and Andreas Minnich (ÖVP) also expressed their support for Ukraine.

The emotional highlight in front of the parliament was a short speech by Lviv's Yaroslav Basylevych, who lost his wife Yevheniya and his three daughters Yaryna, Daryna, and Emilia in a Russian missile attack on Lviv on September 4. Russia is waging a war to destroy Ukrainians as a nation, he said. "My loved ones will not come back, but everything must be done to ensure that justice is served. Because what future does our world have if we allow Russia to escape this punishment?" explained the widower.

Unlike the speeches, which only marginally touched on current developments, controversial initiatives and statements by US President Donald Trump were a more important topic on posters. "Ukraine is not for sale," it said, referring to Trump's wishes to annex Ukrainian mineral resources. There were also insults directed at Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, as well as calls for Russia and the USA to remain silent when Ukraine speaks.

"My feelings are still the same as exactly three years ago," said Ukrainian Arina in an interview with APA, who organized a first, very emotional demonstration against the invasion in front of the Russian embassy in Vienna-Landstraße on February 24, 2022, and came as a simple demonstrator on Monday evening. Europe must finally wake up and understand the direction it is otherwise heading. For too long, the continent did not want to believe in a major war, said the activist. The threat is realistic.

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here .