It was an Independence Day like no different for a gaggle of Ukrainians who gathered in Abu Dhabi to mark August 24 with a present of solidarity.
As struggle devastates their homeland, they united to have a good time 31 years for the reason that collapse of the Soviet Union introduced Ukraine its independence.
However ideas of family members nonetheless there have been by no means far means.
Many have been marking Independence Day exterior of their nation for the primary time.
On February 24, we have been instructed: ‘You don’t have any likelihood.’ On August 24, we are saying: ‘Pleased Independence Day Ukraine’
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speech
As we speak marks six months for the reason that Russian invasion. Whereas the specter of assaults in Kyiv decreased home Independence Day celebrations, Ukrainians in Abu Dhabi — lots of whom fled to the UAE when the struggle broke out — have been decided to mark the event.
A pre-recorded speech by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was performed to these gathered at The Bridge in Al Qana.
Mr Zelenskyy known as on his fellow Ukrainians to rally behind their nation.
“On February 24, your complete Ukraine heard explosions and gunshots. And on August 24, it wasn’t supposed to listen to the phrases Pleased Independence Day,” he stated.
“On February 24, we have been instructed: ‘You don’t have any likelihood.’ On August 24, we are saying: ‘Pleased Independence Day Ukraine.’
“Throughout these six months, we modified historical past, modified the world and altered ourselves. Now we all know for certain who is absolutely our brother and buddy, and who just isn’t even an informal acquaintance.
“The entire world learnt who Ukrainians are. What Ukraine is.
“It would not matter to us what sort of military you have got, what issues to us is our land. We are going to struggle for it till the top.
“We face today in several circumstances, circumstances and even in several time zones, however with one purpose — preservation of independence and victory of Ukraine.”
A curfew is in drive in Ukraine’s second-largest metropolis Kharkiv, within the north-east of the nation. It has beforehand been besieged and pounded by Russian artillery. In Kyiv, public gatherings have been banned.
As a substitute, Independence Day this 12 months would extra seemingly be marked by low-key household occasions amid the nation’s wrestle.
Ukraine’s armed forces say nearly 9,000 Ukrainian navy personnel have been killed, with hundreds extra civilian casualties. Round a 3rd of the 41 million inhabitants has been displaced.
The Ukrainian group within the UAE presently stands at about 15,000, together with 4,000 in Abu Dhabi. A small group gathered on Wednesday night to sing the nationwide anthem, with cheers of “freedom for Ukraine”.
A sombre temper inside The Bridge venue was marked by a minute’s silence for the lives misplaced.
Ukrainian embassy spokesman Vitaliy Fedianin stated it was a tough time for individuals who had been compelled to go away their homeland.
“It has not been straightforward for these individuals to maneuver overseas, when husbands, fathers and sons have needed to keep behind to hitch native armed forces,” he stated.
“There is no such thing as a secure place in Ukraine proper now.
“[Russian President Vladimir] Putin can shell each home and condominium constructing, so any day might be the final for everybody.
“The UAE is an efficient, secure nation that gives good circumstances for individuals, however they are going to nonetheless consider house and it is vitally tough to know kin aren’t in a secure place.
“We would like only one factor, and that’s victory. Our solely want is to revive independence on all our territories.”
Nura Pasichnyk, 37, an actual property dealer in Abu Dhabi, has been within the UAE for seven years.
She stated she would often have a good time the day in a park with mates, sharing tales of Ukraine.
“This 12 months it feels extra important and necessary to do that. We’re nonetheless preventing for our independence,” she stated.
“This 12 months has been very exhausting for all of us, particularly as I’ve household in Kyiv.
“We spoke collectively on the cellphone and they’re OK, however they can not have a good time exterior.
“To see individuals be part of like this collectively offers us encouragement. We do that to assist our nation and to be collectively on this special occasion.”
Ukrainians in UAE – in footage
Up to date: August 24, 2022, 7:05 PM