From
Anna Hoben
A banner in the national colors of Ukraine hangs on the town hall. “Freedom for Ukraine, Freedom for Europe” is written on it. Many people on Marienplatz are wrapped in yellow and blue flags, as if they would give some warmth in the drizzle that started on Friday afternoon. Hundreds have gathered to mark the anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine. When Russia invaded her home country, she was “deeply affected,” says Valentyna de Maar on stage, “but no longer surprised.” After all, the war has been going on for nine years, and it’s been “the great war” for a year.
De Maar organized the meeting with the motto “Together against the war”. In addition to politicians from the state parliament, Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) also came, who in his speech reaffirmed solidarity with the attacked country and above all with Munich’s twin city of Kiev. At the latest with the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia showed its “true face,” he said – even if the West didn’t want to admit it at the time. It is now all the more important to support Ukraine “with all our strength”.
The SPD politician also spoke out in favor of further arms deliveries by NATO and the European states. Ukraine does not attack anyone with these weapons, they are used for defense, he said. The people of Ukraine defended not only their homeland, but also basic European values. Under no circumstances should Putin be allowed to win this war, Reiter demanded. “Ukraine can, should and will win this war and we will help.” The Lord Mayor then thanked the many residents of Munich who had taken in refugees from the Ukraine. That is “not a matter of course”. Officially, 16,000 refugees from the attacked country are currently living in Munich.