by Shushu Xie

More than 5,000 people gathered at the Dublin Spire on 24 February to march in recognition of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s all-out war in Ukraine. Similar gatherings were held in many other counties in Ireland, including Mayo, Kildare, Meath and Cavan. Leaders of major parties, some Irish political activists, volunteer representatives and Ukrainian representatives made speeches before the march.

On the 24th of February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine and has since killed, injured and displaced millions of Ukrainians. Ireland has welcomed Ukrainian refugees, granting those who fled Ukraine international protection, aiding them with accommodation and financial assistance to help them integrate into society.

People were waving banners, some covered in flags of Ukraine, chanting in Ukrainian as well as “Thank you, Ireland” in English.

Fianna Fáil leader and Tánaiste Micheál Martin mentioned his visit last year to Ukraine for a meeting with Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and told the gathering people: ’’Ireland is a neutral country, but we are not politically or morally neutral in the face of violations of international law or war crimes. Quite the opposite…we are not neutral when Russia disregards all these principles — no, we stand with Ukraine.’’

That message might seem to be in stark contrast with the political line most people are accustomed to hearing—that Ireland is neutral. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the country has opened its doors to tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees with welcoming arms. It has helped to accommodate them despite a severe housing shortage that has been going on for quite a few years. There has been a lot of talk on domestic media about Ireland losing its neutrality, both because of its engagement with the refugees and people’s vocal support for Ukraine in this country.

Martin also spoke that, as Tánaiste, he would “continue to argue strongly” for Ukraine to be granted EU membership.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou Mcdonald, Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, and other

Fianna Fáil representatives also spoke at the assembly. All of them highlighted their support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s invasion of a sovereign country.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik spoke as “a daughter of Czech immigrants from the Czech Republic fleeing from Russian U.S.S.R totalitarianism,” declaring that she stood in solidarity with Ukraine.

Aideen Gough, one founding member of Helping Irish Hosts—an organization which helps Ukrainian refugees to find host families in Ireland, also made an emotional speech about her experience hosting a Ukrainian family.

There were some Ukrainian speakers, including a soldier injured in the war, Max, who spoke of his experience on the front line.

Olya Sydorenko, 26, came to Ireland in July 2022 with her new-born daughter. She found lodging with the help of Helping Irish Hosts in Dublin. She knows many Ukrainians that had to flee the war to Poland and other countries. Most of her family are still in Ukraine.

“It is a devastating situation,” she said, “I keep an eye on the news every day, and I talk to my family a lot as Russia targets civilians. This has been a very hard year, and I have no idea when I can meet my parents again or if they will ever get to see my daughter.’’

Ukraine has received a lot of international support, especially within the Western alliance.

One Irish political activist, who, along with a largely elderly group of people, protests every day since the invasion began, called on all to join them in the action to make an impact.