A demonstration was held at Milleniumplatsen in central Gothenburg on Sunday to mark the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The event was organized by Ukrainska Sällskapet i Göteborg (Ukrainian Society in Gothenburg) and the organization Gothenburg stands with Ukraine.
According to reports, the demonstration featured Ukrainian flags, blue and yellow balloons, and signs calling for the liberation of Ukrainian children and support for the Ukrainian people. An air raid siren was sounded during the event to symbolize the daily reality for millions of Ukrainians.
I wish we could gather to celebrate a Ukrainian victory
Olexandra Tershak Gustavsson, chairperson of Ukrainska Sällskapet i Göteborg, expressed her wish that the gathering could have been to celebrate a Ukrainian victory instead. "I wish we could gather to celebrate a Ukrainian victory," she said, adding that Ukraine continues to stand thanks to support from countries like Sweden.
Inna Göransson from Gothenburg stands with Ukraine emphasized that the war is about more than territory for Putin's Russia. "Russia wants to remove Ukrainians' right to self-determination," she stated.
Russia wants to remove Ukrainians' right to self-determination
Politicians from all Gothenburg political parties, from right to left, gave speeches at the demonstration. Jonas Attenius (S), chairman of Gothenburg's municipal executive board, declared that "Ukraine is fighting not only for themselves but for all of Europe's freedom." He assured that Swedish support for Ukraine would remain steadfast regardless of election outcomes.
The demonstration highlighted the suffering of children affected by the war, with organizers emphasizing the importance of drawing attention to those who have died, been injured, disabled for life, or kidnapped by Russia.
Ukraine is fighting not only for themselves but for all of Europe's freedom