StandWithUkraine: Portugal’s Ukrainian community calls for solidarity air sirens on February 24

The Union of Ukrainians in Portugal has appealed to the National Firefighter Corps to activate air raid sirens on February 24, 2024, in remembrance of the victims of the Russian genocide and to emphasize the need for ongoing support for Ukraine, announced Pavlo Sadokha, UWC Vice-President and President of the Union of Ukrainians in Portugal.

The community thanked the Portuguese firefighters for the fact that since the first days of the large-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine, the rescuers provided Ukrainians with humanitarian support, received refugees, and heroically participated in rescue operations in Ukraine.

“Unfortunately, the merciless war continues, because Putin’s goal is for Ukraine to cease to exist as a sovereign state. We did not prepare for war, unlike Russia, and without international support we cannot defeat a ruthless aggressor. In this context, and in order to honor the memory of the many victims of this terrible aggression, as well as to remind the world that the war against Ukrainian freedom and sovereignty is not over yet, we address you with a special request,” the appeal reads.

The Union of Ukrainians in Portugal is asking the Portuguese National Firefighter Corps to join the Ukrainian community in a symbolic act of solidarity and remembrance and turn on the sirens at 3:00 p.m. on February 24, 2024.

“This gesture will serve not only to honor those who lost their lives in this tragedy, but also to confirm our collective commitment to defend the values of freedom, peace and democracy. Resonating with sirens in memory and warning, we send a powerful message that by supporting Ukraine, we are protecting the very essence of Europe and the principles that unite us as an international community,” the appeal reads.

Earlier, the UWC prepared a template letter of appeal to governments that Ukrainian communities and organizations worldwide can use as part of the global advocacy campaign StandWithUkraine on the occasion of the anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, marking a decade of the ongoing war.