Local councillor, Frankie Keena, has this reflected upon the second anniversary of the Russian invasion on Ukraine, as marches in support of Ukraine took place in Athlone and throughout the country this past weekend.
“The marches which took place in Athlone and throughout our country on Saturday last marked the second anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. It is the largest military attack on a European country since World War Two.
“This war has to date claimed an innumerable loss of life resulting in close to six million people fleeing Ukraine and seeking international protection, 100,000 Ukrainians relocating to Ireland.
“Ukraine’s citizens in their homeland are still enduring unimaginable killings and suffering by the hands of the Russian Federation. Therefore, the marches in support of Ukraine which took place throughout Ireland on Saturday last were a very important reminder to our society that this war is still ongoing, while they also afforded an opportunity to show grattitude to the Irish nation for its hospitality and support,” Cllr Keena said.
The councillor also thanked Iarnrod Eireann for illuminating the railway bridge in blue and yellow colours during the weekend to mark in solidarity with Ukraine.
“A large crowd attended the march in Athlone which was extremely well organised by the Athlone Ukrainian Community Group chaired by Oleksandr Biriukov,” Cllr Keena concluded.
