LAST UPDATE | 24 Aug 2022
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE gathered at the Ukrainian embassy this evening, as part of a rally to mark Ukraine’s independence day and six months since Russia launched its invasion.
The rally began at the GPO earlier this evening, where crowds gathered and marched through the streets of Dublin towards the embassy in Ballsbridge
The march was organised by Ukrainian Action in Ireland, who said that Ukraine’s 31st independence day was “exceptional” as it marked “six months since the Russian war on Ukraine & six months of heroic Ukrainian resistance”.
The war, which began on 24 February, has seen thousands of people killed and forced millions of refugees to flee Ukraine and seek asylum in countries around Europe.
Signs carried by protestors called for the release of Ukrainian prisoners and for an end to the war.
Chants of both “Slava Ukraini” and “thank you Ireland” rang out among the crowd multiple times, alongside chants of “Russia, out of Ukraine”.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko, told those assembled outside the embassy that Ukraine had fought for its independence for “many centuries”.
“We are fighting for the democratic values. We are fighting for our statehood. We are fighting for our homes and families and children,” Gerasko said.
Gerasko adds that many families in Ukraine have lost loved ones due to the war and there is no clear idea of how many civilians have been killed in the conflict so far.
“Despite all of that, we are fighting… We must win for sure because if we win, Europe and the democratic world will win.
“Ukrainians are inspiring the whole world and the spirit of our nation will never die.”
Labour leader Ivana Bacik told the crowd that Ireland stood in solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainians, adding that “we extend welcome to all of you who come here fleeing persecution and fleeing brutal war”.
“We want to work with you to ensure the restoration of peace to your beautiful, sovereign democratic European country, Slava Ukraini,” said Bacik.
Fianna Fáil senator Timmy Dooley said that he had seen “the destruction and mayhem” brought by the war during his visit to Ukraine. Dooley said that he saw the “absolute destruction” in Irpin and Bucha.
Dooley said that Ireland would continue to work with Ukraine to ensure that it becomes a full member of the European Union “without delay”.
Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell told the crowd that “the soldiers in Ukraine have brought the greatest army in the world to their knees”.
“You have beaten the Red Army and you will drive them back from where they came,” he added, to applause from the crowd.
Thousands of people have gathered outside the Ukrainian embassy this evening to mark Ukraine's independence Day and six months since Russia invaded @thejournal_ie pic.twitter.com/bf03ZXiKAy
— Tadgh McNally (@TadghMcN) August 24, 2022
In a video message, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that “the democratic world stands in solidarity” with Ukraine on the country’s 31st year of independence.
“Your courageous stance in defence of your country, its sovereignty and territorial integrity and against the immoral war that Russia has unleashed upon you is an inspiration that has rightly moved the world,” said Martin.
“It is fundamentally wrong that a peaceful democratic country and its people should have to endure such suffering.
“As we mark Ukraine’s independence day, I look forward to the day when a free, safe and sovereign Ukraine takes its rightful place within our European family and I hope that when we mark the occasion next year, Ukraine will be free, at peace and with all its people returned. Slava Ukraini.”
Protestors also gathered outside the Russian embassy to protest the ongoing war.
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