Ukrainians plan war anniversary commemoration events

Ukrainians living in Cavan will host a number of events later this month to mark the a year to the date that the Russian invasion began. The events will aim to show solidarity with their fellow countrymen and women.

Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine in a steep escalation of the 2014 Russo-Ukrainian War on February 24, 2022.

Since then more than 800 Ukrainian nationals fleeing fighting in their home country have arrived in Cavan.

Sergiy Balan, who represents the county within the Association of Ukrainians in Ireland (AURI), is among those organising the upcoming commemoration events set to take place Saturday, February 24.

This will include a remembrance mass at the Cathedral of Ss Patrick and Saint Felim, with smaller events to take place also within communities across Cavan where Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed.

An exhibition of Ukrainian art and culture will take place in the Johnston Library, while a Ukrainian language film ‘Shchedryk’ or 'Carol of the Bells' (subtitled in English) will be shown at the Cavan Townhall theatre.

Cavan Courthouse will also be lit up in the blue and yellow of Ukraine.

A larger scale demonstration is planned for Dublin.

“We want to remember those who have lost their lives, or living and suffering because of this war, still in Ukraine, here in Ireland, or anywhere else in Europe,” says Sergiy.

The Ukrainians with whom he has spoken with since their arrival in Cavan and indeed Ireland are “forever grateful” for the welcome and support they continue to receive. “They tell us they are so grateful to Irish people, especially for a small county like ours. It’s been like a second home.”

Sergiy reminds that, for many who are now here, they’ve nothing to go back to Ukraine for. In some cases their families have been killed, or their homes reduced to rubble by repeated bombings.

“A lot have no home to go back to. Others, when I go around the country speaking to them, because I a director with [AURI], they still live with hope. They want to go back, but right now they don’t know how that is possible if Russia continues to attack.”

Sergiy sighs: “We have to stay strong, we have to be together. With the help of Irish people, we can do that. This war started nine years ago in Donbas, and then Crimea. But Russia understands only power.”

He too has lost both friends and family to the current conflict. He also has many Russian friends living in Ireland - some stand with Ukraine, others against.

“One friend feels very proud for what is happening. I believe it’s down to propaganda.”

The danger of “misinformation” about what is really happening, Sergiy believes, has begun infiltrate into Irish society too.

“It’s stealing history. They’re killing people and stealing history. The information that is out there is telling people that this war is Ukraine’s fault, or the cost of living. This is not true. That is Russian propaganda at work. They’re trying to put Irish people against Ukraine.”