Gedz: Rallies for Ukraine must remain a priority for Ukrainians themselves

Pro-Ukrainian rallies and events held by diaspora communities abroad offer Ukrainians a vital opportunity to express their civic engagement and support for their homeland, a Danish-based activist said. 

However, Vasyl Gedz, the head of the Aarhus branch of the Lastivka Ukrainian organization in Denmark and a member of the Association of Ukrainians in Denmark, noted in a comment to the Ukrainian World Congress that “unfortunately, this opportunity is becoming less of a priority for them.”

He observed that at the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, they could assemble up to 1,000 people at events in Aarhus, where 1,700 adult Ukrainians currently live.

“Now, the number of participants at demonstrations has decreased to nearly 100, and that hurts a lot,” he said.

People are quickly adapting to new realities, and, “unfortunately, supporting these events is becoming less of a priority for them,” Gedz said.

Still, the events serve as a conduit for drawing foreign public attention to the urgent needs of Ukraine. In particular, a rally that calls for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russian captivity will take place in Denmark on Oct. 6.

“We want to draw the attention of all authorities and organizations with power, including the Red Cross,” Gedz said, urging “all those who care to join the rally supporting Ukraine.”

About 200 participants are expected at the event on Oct. 6, he estimated.

“Denmark continues to support Ukraine. Although it is a small country, it has very great capabilities. So, with this event, we also want to thank them for their support,” Gedz said.