As in many cities around the world, a demonstration in favor of Ukraine brought together several thousand people in the streets of Brussels. A particular manifestation, since it…

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Belgium: in Brussels, thousands of people demonstrate for Ukraine

Audio 01:29

Demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine, in Brussels, this Saturday February 25, 2023, the day after the first anniversary of the Russian invasion.

Text by: RFI Follow

3 mins

As in many cities around the world, a demonstration in favor of Ukraine brought together several thousand people in the streets of Brussels.

A special event, since it took place in the capital of Europe, the seat of the EU institutions, but also of NATO.

The demonstrators thus expressed their solidarity after a year of war, but also sent messages.

With our correspondent in Brussels,

Jean-Jacques Héry

Mainly made up of Ukrainians, the procession exudes great strength.

No joy, of course, but no sadness either.

We can even see smiles under the hundreds of yellow and blue flags.

After a year of war, the demonstration reflects the image of a country that is still standing, explains Anna: "

I can compare my feelings to a year ago, when I was in shock, when I was really scared for my country, and now I feel rather not fear but strength, and enormous pride in the resilience of my people.

The EU has moved a lot in one year, with ten packages of sanctions against Russia, but more needs to be done, protesters say.

As the European Commission approaches, the cries redouble.

Sanctions for Russia, weapons for Ukraine, shout the marchers, from the city center to the European district.

A message directly addressed to European leaders and NATO.

► To read also: The Chinese diplomatic offensive in the war in Ukraine of its Russian ally

Yana Brovdiy belongs to the NGO Promote Ukraine, co-organizer of the rally.

Why does it take so long to provide an air defense system?"

she asks.

Think of all the cities and all the lives that could have been saved if we had received these air defense systems sooner!

Also present: many Belgians, like Jean, who came to show their solidarity.

In his eyes, “

the Ukrainian fight is a fight for the freedom of all Europeans

”.

A desire for a European future that the crowd continued to proclaim for a long time on Saturday afternoon.

Sanctions are very important, we can still do more to weaken the Russian economy.

But weapons are also of paramount importance for Ukraine.

My father is a soldier, in the army at the moment, and he does not understand why it takes so long to deliver air defense systems and tanks.

It was asked in February, think of all the cities and all the lives that would have been saved if the air defense systems had been delivered sooner!

For all weapons, it takes time.

This war will only end when Russia realizes that the price to pay is too heavy, both economically and militarily.

All this makes no sense, the Ukrainians are going to push them back, and how long will it last?

And to occupy what?

two or three villages?

This is really going to have to stop.

Only then can we sit down and start talking about negotiations and the prospects for peace.

Belgium: in Brussels, thousands of people demonstrate for Ukraine

Belgium: in Brussels, thousands of people demonstrate for Ukraine

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