A Display of Solidarity in Funchal
A group of about 150 people, including Ukrainian residents and local Madeirans, gathered in Funchal on Monday to unite, three years since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. The demonstration called for strength, unity and gratitude to those who have offered assistance. Participants carried signs calling for peace and held up a large Ukrainian flag in a symbolic show of resilience.
A Call for Support of Ukrainians
Katerina Leacock, president of the organization Ucrainia com Amor, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for lasting and meaningful peace:
We are going through a difficult time on many levels, but what we ask now is that people look for the best within themselves, help each other, and support Ukraine and Ukrainians
Katerina Leacock, Ucrainia com Amor
Jose Manuel Rodriques Held A Powerful Speech
José Manuel Rodrigues, President of the Madeiran Parliament, once again took the stage at the same location as 12 months ago. This time, his speech was more powerful - an impassioned call for Ukrainians to resist, endure, and stand firm. He declared that their struggle was not just their own but a fight for all of Europe against authoritarianism. His words carried unwavering support, delivering the kind of resolute message that Ukrainians would hope to hear more often on an international stage:
It is a great honor and a great pride to be here with you to express, on behalf of the Madeira Parliament, which represents all the people of our autonomous region, our support for your cause
For 11 years, you have been defending your territory. For 3 years, you have been fighting against the Russian invasion. This fight is not only for Ukraine - it is a struggle for freedom, democracy, and prosperity in Europe and the world.
That is why I make this appeal to you: do not give up! Your cause is also our cause. No matter how many new and unlikely allies Russia may gain, resist for your country. No matter how much they try to take away your territories and wealth, resist in the name of democracy, in the name of freedom, and in the name of the European ideal. Resist against dictatorship and in favor of all individual and collective freedoms.
Count on Madeira. You do not have to thank the Madeirans. It is the Madeirans and all Portuguese people who must thank you for your fight against authoritarianism.
José Manuel Rodrigues, JM-Madeira
World Not Allowed to Turn A Blind Eye on Russian Atrocities
Another speaker reminded us that Russia’s invasion did not begin in 2022 but in 2014. Back then, many still hoped that things would somehow turn out for the better - that Russia would stop at illegally annexing Crimea, that it would not seek to destroy Ukraine. Today, we know better. We could have stopped Russia at this point but we did not. Today, Ukraine is paying an unfathomable price.
Every day, Russian state television makes it clear: they want more than just Ukraine. Our commitment is therefore not a gift, it is a duty - not just to Ukraine, but to a just world order and to other nations at risk of aggression.
A Crisis That Continues to Displace Millions
The war in Ukraine has forced millions to flee their homes. According to the United Nations refugee agency, over 10.6 million people have been displaced, including almost 7 million seeking protection abroad. Many face severe challenges returning home due to widespread destruction and war crimes, with more than two million houses in Ukraine deliberately damaged or destroyed. Attacks on energy infrastructure committed by the Russian aggressor also continue to disrupt essential services, leaving many without heat or electricity.
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