Ukrainians Celebrate Independence Day in Lisbon, Thanking Portugal for Support

A Heartfelt Celebration in Lisbon

Over 200 Ukrainians gathered in Lisbon this Saturday to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's independence, expressing gratitude to Portugal for its unwavering support since the onset of the Russian invasion. The event took place at Marquês de Pombal, where participants marched down Avenida da Liberdade, waving Ukrainian flags and banners with messages such as "Thank you, Portugal" and "Independence is in our hearts".

A Message of Unity and Hope

The event, organized by the Ukrainians in Portugal Association (AUP), featured Carlos Abreu Amorim, the Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs, who emphasized that Ukraine is the heart of Europe. Pavlo Sadokha, president of the AUP, highlighted the significance of Ukraine's resistance against the aggressor and its pivotal role in global political discussions.

Ongoing Struggles and Victories

As Ukraine engages in an unprecedented ground offensive in the Kursk region since August 6, the celebration also served as a reminder of the ongoing conflict. Despite uncertainties, Sadokha noted that recent military advances have provided a much-needed morale boost to Ukrainians after a challenging year.

Support from Portugal

Since the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022, around 58,000 people have sought refuge in Portugal, joining an existing community of over 40,000 residents. The event served as a platform for expressing gratitude towards Portugal while calling for continued financial and military support for Ukraine.

Personal Stories and Resilience

Among the attendees was Alina, a refugee from Dnipro, who shared her experiences of fleeing the war for her daughter’s safety. She expressed her desire to return home when the conflict ends. Another attendee, Nadia, a refugee from Kherson, spoke about her hopes for Ukraine's future.

A Call for Generosity

Nestor, a 21-year-old born in Portugal to Ukrainian parents, urged the Portuguese to continue their support, whether through donations or raising awareness about Ukraine's struggles. He emphasized the importance of unity in facing the ongoing challenges.

The Spirit of the Ukrainian People

Ricardo Róis, a Portuguese national who spent time in Ukraine, remarked on the resilience of the Ukrainian people, stating they are determined and believe in their victory against Russia. He highlighted that if the situation were different, the conflict would have already been resolved.