Post-Release: Ukraine’s Independence Day

On August 24th, Ukraine’s Independence Day, we came together to send a powerful message of solidarity. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in our event at the Brandenburg Gate.

From 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, we worked together to weave a camouflage net for Ukrainian volunteers operating on the frontlines. It was truly inspiring to see so many people take part in this important task, showing their support for Ukraine. 

At around 16:45, however, something unpredictable happened. A man walked up to the stage where our presenters were speaking. It seemed as if he wanted to attack them. However, he was pushed away and while the police were called, he started to harm himself with a knife. The police reacted quickly, disarmed the man and took him away. After a short break, our demonstration continued. Despite the shock, we didn’t let it get us down. It was a classic act of sabotage, designed to stop us from our demonstration and bring it to a premature end. More information will follow.

Between 6:35 PM and 7:35 PM, we held a demonstration where our speakers delivered powerful messages. They called for comprehensive military aid, a halt to russian oil and gas imports, and the release of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war. In light of the dangerous developments in Germany, such as the freezing of military aid and the spread of russian propaganda, it was more important than ever to send a strong signal to policymakers.

Here are some quotes from our speakers that perfectly capture the spirit and determination of the participants: 

“The whole world has been witnessing this in Ukraine for the last two and a half years. But it’s been centuries since russia has been trying its best to suppress and “russify” Ukraine with Crimea being its favorite bit.

For centuries russia has been trying to get rid of the Indigenous peoples of Crimea, not only Crimean Tatars but Karaites (or Karaims) and Krymchaks, too.

In 2014 the whole world witnessed how russia annexed my homeland Crimea, and the international community didn’t do much for the sake of not escalating the situation. Today we are dealing with the consequences of such silence.“ – Elnara Nuriieva-Letova.

“These days, Ukraine is trying to gain space, trying to convince people that it needs more support, and this all in a country that owes its freedom to international support. […] And today the Federal Republic of Germany stands silently by and says: “A balanced budget is more important than external security; the delivery of Taurus is an unnecessary escalation; the frozen russian assets must not be legally attacked; and we must find an agreement on interest rates.”

Yes, it is enough for the triumph of evil if the good guys do nothing or little. Every extra euro spent, every extra weapon produced, every better explanation of why we Germans must stand by Ukraine is money well spent.” – Roderich Kiesewetter

“It’s nice to see you today in Vyshyvankas and the Ukrainian flag… but I have one request: wear it every day. Make Ukraine visible. On social media and in everyday life. Make it clear that the war is not over yet.” – Frank Peter Wilde

Once again, a big thank you to everyone who made this event a success with their presence and commitment. Your solidarity with Ukraine means so much to us!