'They're playing a very dangerous game'

Ukraine’s Independence Day to be celebrated this weekend

The chairperson of the Association of Ukrainians in Ireland, Sergiy Balan, believes that world leaders are “playing a very dangerous game” when it comes to trusting process whereby lasting peace in his home country can be agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“He is a professional liar. We have seen this all before. He cannot be trusted. Not now, not in the future. What he wants is war. He has no respect for peace.”

Sergiy's comments come as the association he heads up, in partnership with Cavan County Local Development, plans to host a celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day this weekend, Sunday, August 24, from 2-6pm, at Cavan Rugby Club.

Included will be a quiz on Ukrainian history and culture, a talent fair showcasing Ukrainian artists, masterclasses in traditional crafts, and tasting of Ukrainian national cuisine.

There will also be a concert afterwards performed by Ukrainian singer Antonina Matviyenko, daughter of the famed Nina Matviienko.

All funds raised from the event will go towards supporting the provision of a field ambulance on the frontline.

Of the event, Sergiy notes his fellow countrymen's gratitude to the Republic of Ireland for its support and assistance during these challenging times.

That the celebration of independence is taking place against a backdrop where there is now real prospect of a bilateral meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin has strengthened Sergiy's resolve that Ukrainians, at home and also scattered across Europe, need to stand together.

The proposed breakthrough, though without any agreement on a ceasefire, follows a meeting on Monday, August 18, between European leaders, Zelenskyy, and US President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump pledged US security guarantees and proposed a trilateral summit with Russian President Putin to end the war. However, Putin is pushing Ukraine to cede parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, or Crimea - terms widely rejected by Ukrainian officials as unacceptable and undermining their sovereignty and a position firmly supported by Europe.

Sergiy accepts that people are “tired” of war but points to the continuation of Russian attacks hours after the White House talks took place as an example of the need to be cautious before entering any agreement with Putin. That latest attack on a residential area killed seven people including a toddler and a 16-year-old boy.

“Nobody really knows what's going on there. Any guarantee from Putin means nothing. Europe has to understand what is going on. It is a very big gamble what's happening. They're playing a very dangerous game. After that missile attack again, it tells the world what kind of person Putin is and what Putin wants. He is not a man of peace.”