Stand with Ukraine 2025: UWC announces global campaign on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion

January 11, 2024, Toronto, Canada – The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is launching the global StandWithUkraine advocacy campaign and a series of rallies to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This campaign aims to remind the world of the ongoing war, now entering its third year, and the far-reaching consequences of Russia’s invasion. It calls on democratic governments to unite in supporting Ukraine and to increase pressure on Russia to end the conflict and restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The global rally is backed by the International Center For Ukraine Victory (ICUV) and the Communities Army of Ukraine (CAU).

“UWC’s global advocacy campaign is mainly intended to address the governments of democratic nations,” said Paul Grod, President of the UWC. “At this crucial time, we should combine our efforts to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence, and to honor the memory of the victims of this genocidal war.”

As the third anniversary of the Russo-Ukrainian war approaches on February 24, 2025, the UWC is calling on Ukrainian communities to organize events with political leaders in their countries to advocate for the following:

• Deployment of international peacekeeping forces to ensure security.
• Supply of modern air defense systems, military equipment, and ammunition.
• Provision of lethal and non-lethal means to defend against the aggressor.
• Seizure of frozen Russian assets.
• Introduction of new sanctions against key individuals and sectors of the Russian economy.
• Implementation of a war tax on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) within the European Union, followed by a full embargo on Russia’s fossil fuels.
• Condemnation of Russia for violating the rights of prisoners of war.
• Immediate repatriation of illegally deported Ukrainian children.
• Recognition of Russia’s actions against Ukraine as genocide.
• Recognition of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and investigation of its war crimes.
• Expulsion of Russia from international organizations and institutions.

A key event in the campaign is the Global Alarm Event. On February 24, 2025, at 18:00 local time, Ukrainian communities worldwide will activate an air raid siren to remind the world of the ongoing war and call for global action.

“It’s a symbolic way to remind the world that the war still goes on, and that each of us can contribute to Ukraine’s fight for peace and justice. Together, we will express solidarity with Ukraine and urge the global community to take decisive measures. We ask you to participate in the action, as Ukraine’s suffering needs to be heard worldwide,” said Volodymyr Kogutiak, Chair of the UWC Advocacy Committee.

Similar to last year, February 23 and 24 will feature rallies, meetings, marches, flash mobs, public prayers, moments of silence, building illuminations, lectures, exhibitions, movie screenings, and other events. 

Full details will be available on the platforms of the Ukrainian World Congress.  To view the global campaign materials, follow the link.