Far from home, Ukrainians abroad mark 35 years of independence as war with Russia drags on
For 70,000 displaced Ukrainians living in Belgium, the hope of returning home remains, even as escalating Russian attacks and air-defence shortages put fresh pressure on Kyiv's European allies.
On August 24, Ukraine celebrated its 35th Independence Day, marking four-and-a-half years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. For the 70,000 displaced Ukrainians living in Belgium, the anniversary serves as both a celebration of their homeland and a stark reminder of the ongoing war. Misha Dzivitskyi, president of the Ukrainian Voices Refugee Committee in Brussels, emphasized that the day remains a testament to the strength of the Ukrainian people, as they continue to face challenges and uncertainties.
The conflict's prolonged nature has made the notion of temporary displacement increasingly difficult, particularly for families with children who are growing up in Belgium. Despite the support from the European Union and the United States, Ukraine remains heavily reliant on external assistance, particularly in the area of air defenses.
The EU and the US are under pressure to increase their contributions to help Ukraine counter Russian attacks, but the geopolitical landscape presents numerous obstacles. As Ukraine marks this significant anniversary, the question of how long European allies can sustain their support looms large, with potential implications for the war's outcome and regional security.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
