Thousands of people are taking part in a march in Dublin to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
It is one of a number of marches in solidarity with Ukraine taking place across Ireland today.
The march was organised by Ukrainian Action in Ireland on behalf of the Ukrainian community.
The group said the ‘Stand with Ukraine’ walk is dedicated to the second anniversary of “the brutal and unjustified military invasion of Ukraine by Russia.”
The march began at 11am in front of the GPO on O’Connell Street.
Demonstrators marched to Merrion Square where a rally is being held.
Ukrainian Ambassador Ireland Larysa Gerasko and US Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin are among the ambassadors taking part.
Participants are carrying placards calling for the war to end and appealing to people to “stand with Ukraine”.
Many taking part in the march, particularly Ukrainian refugees who have travelled here since the war began, said the event is also a chance to thank the people of Ireland for the support that is being provided.
Chants of ‘thank you Ireland’ from members of the Ukrainian community at a rally in Merrion Square after crowds march through Dublin on the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine @RTENews pic.twitter.com/ffllp7m2xR
— Fergal O’Brien (@FergalOBrien_) February 24, 2024
Ireland has provided refuge to 100,000 Ukrainians under EU temporary protection rules since the war began.
Olha Chekmaieva fled her home city of Odesa in 2022 before settling in Ireland.
The Ukrainian Action in Ireland spokeswoman said that Irish support keeps her “holding on”.
“Today we mark the two-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion that Russia started in my country Ukraine,” she said.
“We are actually fascinated by the way Ireland and Irish people support us still. It is amazing and what keeps us holding on, actually.”
She said that the group wanted to “remind people that the war – even if it is not in the news that much – is still going on on a daily basis”.
“Just yesterday, another rocket hit the house in the city where I’m from. Several died,” Ms Chekmaieva added.
“We want the world and Ireland to remember that we need their support in our fight for freedom.”
‘Slava Ukraine’
In a post on social media last night, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also offered his support to Ukraine, writing: “This weekend marks the second anniversary of Putin’s invasion of #Ukraine. We will fly the flag of Ukraine at Government Buildings on Saturday in solidarity.
“Ukraine is all that stands between a brutal tyrant, and the free Europe we all hold so dear. Slava Ukraine”.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said in a post on X that Ireland “will not waver in support for Ukraine”.
He said: “For 730 days, Ukraine has endured unimaginable violence and suffering, the destruction of homes, livelihoods and critical infrastructure by the Russian Federation.
“Across the country, innocent Ukrainian men, women and children are paying the ultimate price for a war not of their choosing.”
Mr Martin added: “While the world calls for peace, respect for international borders and integrity, Russia chooses the path for escalation.
“We will continue our unified and determined response that Ireland and the European Union have mounted since the beginning of this war of aggression.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky today vowed that the country would defeat Russia.
Additional reporting: PA
