Luxembourg’s population might seem like a mere speck amidst the vastness of our world, and the European Union’s share stands at just 5.7%… it’s easy to feel small and insignificant.
But beneath those percentages lies a truth that can’t be ignored: unity is our strength, and together, we hold the power to shape our shared future and continue building our democratic, liberal, fairer world.
To honour Ukraine’s national day right here in Luxembourg I joined LUkraine, and the Ukrainian community in Luxembourg at Hesperange park yesterday afternoon.
I was and continue to be incredible inspired by the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
The air yesterday was electric with an undeniable revolutionary, yet peaceful, energy. The blue and yellow colours, the laughter, the camaraderie, the kites.
Their dedication, their passion, and their determination to bring a piece of their homeland to Luxembourg, whilst fighting and fundraising for their people back home, was and is nothing short of inspiring.
It was more than a celebration; it was a declaration of unity, a resounding reminder that distance could never sever the ties that bind them to their homeland, even as many of them have made Luxembourg their home.
But beyond the joyous festivities, the shadows of a somber reality loom.
The war in Ukraine has left over 150,000 homes either destroyed or damaged – a staggering number that eclipses the entirety of Luxembourg’s housing units (roughly 130,000 units).
Numbers alone can’t capture the gravity of the situation. The sacrifices made by more than 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers – a toll greater than the entire Luxembourgish military personnel 60 times over – showcases an unwavering dedication to defending their homeland. And alongside them, over 9,000 civilians have so far lost their lives, innocent souls caught in the crossfire of conflict.
The enormity of this loss hits me like a wave, underscoring the urgency of our support for a nation that is fighting for its survival.
The Ukrainian people, in the face of unimaginable adversity, are showing an incredible spirit of unity, resilience, and hope. Their celebration in Luxembourg wasn’t just about honouring their national day; it was a symbol of their unyielding spirit and a message of solidarity to their compatriots back home.
The war and our response to the war in Ukraine is a stark reminder that our world is interconnected, and our responsibilities extend beyond borders.
Our political leaders bear the duty to continuously communicate why supporting Ukraine is more than a gesture of goodwill; it’s a stand for the very principles that define our modern world – democracy, human rights, and international law.
The very principles Ukraine is defending.
We may be a small nation, but we must be proud for the support our country has given and continues to give our Eastern neighbours, both directly, and through the European Union.
And we must continue to support Ukraine, until this war is won, and Ukraine’s people are free, and its sovereign territory, entirely liberated.
Christos Floros 