European Solidarity March: Standing United in Support of Ukraine

Brussels, 24 February 2024 – In a resounding display of unity and solidarity, citizens, activists, and leaders alike are called upon to join the European Solidarity March in support of Ukraine, commemorating two years since the onset of full-scale invasion in the heart of Europe. The National March is scheduled for 25 February, starting at 11:00 a.m. near the Rogier metro station. Ambassadors from different states will also be joining the march and available to speak with the media.

As the war continues, there is a danger of it fading from the forefront of our collective consciousness. However, now more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to peace, freedom, and democracy. The recent surrender of Avdiivka, coupled with the subsequent execution of Ukrainian soldiers by the occupying Russian forces, underscores the urgent need for increased support for the Ukrainian army.

“European values are under siege as the barbaric aggression continues to threaten the very fabric of our societies. The invasion not only ravages Ukrainian soil but also seeks to destabilise the EU through various means, including media manipulation, economic coercion, and political interference. It is imperative that we stand in defence of Europe and stand by Ukraine” – Marta Barandiy, Chairwoman of Promote Ukraine NGO.

In the words of Els Ampe, Member of the Senate of Belgium, “The courage of the Ukrainians saves Europe from smugness. Western Europeans take our democracy, freedom, and security too much for granted. I support all Europeans defending the border with the Russian dictatorship. I’m so grateful to them.”

Rafał Siemianowski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of Belgium, emphasised, “Now, it is extremely important to provide Ukraine with all needed weapons to counteract the Russian aggression. For two years Ukrainians have heroically defended not only their country but also our freedom. Here in Brussels, we should express our solidarity with Ukraine and demonstrate our support for pro-European and pro-Atlantic aspirations of the Ukrainian society.”

Nobel Peace Prize winner 2022, Oleksandra Matviichuk, echoed the sentiment, in a special video appeal urging everyone to participate in the Brussels March, stating, “The future support of Ukraine depends very much on the fact that all of us, with joint efforts, will be able to keep the focus on helping Ukraine.”

Let us stand together, shoulder to shoulder, in support of Ukraine and in defence of our shared European values.

Co-organisers of the March:

1. NGO Association of Ukrainians in Belgium  
2. Pan-European youth organisation The European Liberal Youth, LYMEC
3. Pan-European civil society network European Movement International
4. Non-profit organisation The Association Of Ukrainian Women in Belgium  
5. Supranational, non-governmental political organisation Union of European Federalists
6. NGO Promote Georgia
7. NGO Ukrainian Voices RC
8. Political youth NGO Young European Federalists JEF Europe
9. Human Rights Centre ZMINA
10. International Charitable Organisation Ruthenia
11. NGO Strategic Initiative Center
12. Lithuania’s Genocide and Resistance Research Center  

For further inquiries, please contact +32 491111691, media@promoteukraine.org.