On December 17, UAnimals activists protested against russia’s destruction of Ukraine’s nature. Mass demonstrations took place in Lisbon, Portugal, and San Diego, USA, while a solitary picket was held in Poland.
In Lisbon, the protest was organized with the support of the Ukrainian Embassy in Portugal and local activists, led by Oleh Yermenko. Around 40 activists gathered with Christmas-themed posters, calling for an end to russia’s destruction of the planet.
The Ukrainian Ambassador to Portugal, Marina Mykhailenko, joined the protest. She addressed the activists and gave an interview to the local television channels. In her remarks, Ambassador Marina outlined the scale of environmental losses in Ukraine due to russian aggression and emphasized the importance of holding russia accountable for terrorism.
Special guests at the protest were members of the Ukrainian folk group Lita. The girls sang traditional Christmas carols but in a renewed version inspired by the wartime destruction.
Participants in the protest rang Christmas bells, to which black ribbons were tied as a symbol of mourning for the losses suffered by Ukraine, its citizens, and nature. Calls to support the Ministry of Ecology’s initiative Aggressor Refunds to compel russia to compensate for the damage caused by its terrorist actions against the environment echoed through the air. Protesters also spread Olexandr Todorchuk’s petition to stop ecocide in Ukraine and punish russia, encouraging as many people as possible to sign it.
Passers-by expressed their solidarity with Ukraine, and passing cars honked their horns to show their support for the demonstrators.
In the United States, the protest took place in partnership with the organization Shield of Freedom after a five-kilometer march in support of Ukraine. Like in Lisbon, 40 activists gathered: American citizens stood alongside Ukrainians, holding Christmas posters with information about russia’s destruction of Ukrainian nature. Adults, along with children, also sang Ukrainian songs during the demonstration.
The U.S. Congress is currently deciding on the next aid package for Ukraine. With their speeches on the russian ecocide, the demonstrators aimed to motivate American lawmakers to vote in favor of this support package. Activists emphasize that an opposing decision would encourage putin and other dictators worldwide to engage in further aggressive actions.
In Warsaw, Poland, Anastasiia Lysak organized a solo picket alongside the rally in support of Ukrainian war prisoners. According to the activist, the Poles’ reactions indicated their support for Ukrainians.
Join the #StopEcocideUkraine campaign and participate in organized and solo protests all around the world. This is a crucial indicator of Ukrainian unity for the global community.
Global support is essential for holding russia accountable for crimes against nature and humanity.
