ECU head Rajčinec says pushing for arms supplies to Ukraine priority

Government advocacy for arms supplies to Ukraine so that it could withstand Russian aggression is a principal priority for the European Congress of Ukrainians (ECU). ECU president Bohdan Rajčinec who heads the Ukrainian Initiative in Czechia, shared this in an interview with My Ukrayina (We Are Ukraine).

“We are committed to ensuring that the countries we reside in actually send more weapons to Ukraine,” Rajčinec said.

The advocacy strategies for this include not only ongoing communication with government officials but also public diplomacy, such as, rallies, events, and appeals to voters. 

“What truly makes an impact is the pressure on politicians in our countries,” he said, noting the critical importance of keeping Ukraine at the forefront of discussions.

Personal stories, particularly those of women serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, are especially effective in influencing politicians, Rajčinec said.

“For instance, bringing a woman who serves in the Armed Forces to your country to share her story can have a significant impact. Her experiences can shape the decisions of politicians and legislatures, encouraging them to sustain their support for Ukraine,” he said.

Ukrainian participation in these events is vital, according to Rajčinec. Without this engagement, “EU politicians and those in individual countries might not feel the urgency to support Ukraine – politically or in other ways”. 

“During rallies in city squares, you can see numerous symbols of Ukraine, but what’s especially important are the people who support them and are present at every event,” he noted.

The full interview in Ukrainian is available at this link.