In Madrid this Sunday, Ukrainians gathered in the city center to draw attention to the war that followed the Russian invasion of their country. The protest took place in Plaza de Isabel II, where a large Ukrainian flag served as a backdrop for the demonstration. About fifty protesters, many of whom live in Madrid, voiced their opposition to the conflict and urged an end to the invasion. The crowd waved banners that carried clear messages of peace and solidarity, including calls for a European response and the belief that Ukraine’s victory would be the world’s victory.
The demonstrations carried an unmistakable rhythm as participants chanted against Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed their desire for freedom for Ukraine. The mood was one of resilience and solidarity, with slogans emphasizing that peace is a shared goal not only for Ukrainians but for people across Europe and beyond.
Drums of protest and the waving of national colors created a strong visual statement, underscoring the unity of the Ukrainian community in Madrid and the support they receive from residents and local supporters. The banners underscored a common message: Europe moves when Ukraine seeks peace, and every act of solidarity matters in sustaining that effort.
Andriy Modrytskyy, who leads the Ukrainian Alcalá de Henares Association in the Madrid area, spoke to reporters and framed the gathering as a summons to action. He described the protest as a call to everyone to join in the effort to defend Ukraine’s freedom and independence. The event reflected a continuing pattern of community mobilization that has characterized Ukrainian associations since the February 24, 2022 invasion.
Modrytskyy added that the weekend gatherings have become a recurring moment for the Ukrainian diaspora in Spain to remind the world that the war is not distant. They advocate for peace and advocate for aid and visible solidarity that travels beyond national borders. The message was clear: the struggle for Ukraine’s sovereignty is part of a broader fight for human rights and global stability, and it deserves consistent attention from policymakers and the public alike. The organizers stressed that the vigil is about remembering the human cost of the conflict and ensuring that Ukraine remains at the forefront of international callings for justice and peace.
Reports from the organizers and observers indicate that the gathering drew attention from passersby and local residents who paused to show support. The Copa de Bilbao and its surroundings buzzed with conversations about the ongoing situation in Ukraine, with many expressing a willingness to stand with those affected by the war. The demonstration was peaceful, orderly, and passed off without incident, while participants maintained a sober focus on their message and on the need for continued international engagement. The event concluded with a renewed pledge to keep visibility around the issue alive and to press for sustained humanitarian and political support for Ukraine.
Cite: The coverage of the event highlights the ongoing presence of Ukrainian communities across Spain and their sustained commitment to advocating for peace, freedom, and international solidarity. The message resonated with a broad segment of the public, reinforcing that the call for Ukraine’s independence remains a shared concern for many who follow European affairs.