Solidarity march in Luxembourg City on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine;
Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
On Saturday 22 February 2025, several hundred people gathered in Luxembourg City for a march organised by LUkraine asbl to mark the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, starting from Luxembourg's central railway station (Gare Centrale), under the slogan "Justice for Ukraine – Peace for Europe".
The march got underway shortly after 14:00 and took almost an hour to complete, moving along the Avenue de la Liberté, over the Pont Adolphe, along the Boulevard FD Roosevelt and up to Place Clairefontaine in Luxembourg-Ville.
The main message during the march, echoed through loudspeakers as participants moved, was a reminder - and a wake-up call: "Ukraine has been at war with Russia for three years, and Europe could be next. Therefore, Europe must wake up."
Speaking to Chronicle.lu, Natalia Anoshyna, Chargé d'Affaires of Ukraine in Belgium and Luxembourg, said: "Every year we hope that this will be the last year we commemorate such a sad date, and unfortunately, for the third year in a row, we are gathering. We believe that this year the demonstration will be the last and Ukraine will win. First and foremost, we emphasise long-term peace and security guarantees for Ukraine, as well as membership in the European Union and NATO. It is not only about ending hostilities or a ceasefire; Ukraine must be in a strong position, and Russian criminals must be held accountable. Leaving the territories of our state is not enough. For every crime against Ukrainians, they must be held responsible." Ms Anoshyna later delivered an impassioned speech and call for action during the official commemorative ceremony in Place Clairefontaine.
During his speech, LUkraine asbl President Nicolas Zharov, recalled the situation unfolding around Ukraine: "I can say for sure that we live in a post-truth era. This era will eventually lead us to catastrophe. The delusions about dictators, such as [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, will crumble, and we will awaken in a world devoid of illusions. This awakening will be the most difficult challenge this generation has faced. If we don't act now, this is the moment of truth for democracies; it is the moment of truth for Europe. If we allow tyranny to triumph, this war will not end in Ukraine - it will spread across the continent. Justice for Ukraine means peace for Europe. That is the truth, and that is the choice before us. Ukraine wants peace, but not at the cost of surrender."
Anne Calteux, Head of the European Commission Representation in Luxembourg, assured: "Europe is committed to strengthening its defence capabilities to ensure lasting peace and collective security. We are fully aware that Ukraine's fight is our fight. President [Ursula] von der Leyen and all the commissioners will be in Kyiv on Monday [24 February 2025] to express Europe's unflinching support for Ukraine's fight for independence and freedom. Three years into Russia's full-scale war. Our guiding principle is 'Nothing about Ukraine - without Ukraine'. The stakes have never been higher, and only through unity and bold action can we navigate the storm ahead and secure a future where freedom and democracy will prevail."
Also speaking during the official ceremony were Luxembourg Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Marc Angel and Tilly Metz, Rafał Hykawy, Chargé d'Affaires at the Polish Embassy in Luxembourg, and Fleur Thomas, British Ambassador to Luxembourg. They assured attendees of their respective entities (European Parliament) and countries' continued support for Ukraine.
Several of the speakers also reiterated that, contrary to recent statements made by US President Donald Trump, it was Russia who started the war - and Ukraine is not for sale.
Between the speeches, the organisers also reminded attendees of the destruction of cities in eastern Ukraine, each of which had a population of over 100,000. Women and men dressed in white t-shirts with the names of the cities lined up in a chain, with the word "Destroyed" written on their backs.
Many of the attendees waved flags (mostly Ukrainian, but also Luxembourgish, EU and other European flags) and held placards honouring the memory of those killed and calling for action and solidarity with Ukraine.
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