Blue and yellow flags, lots of sunflowers and banners with slogans like: ‘Stop Putin, stop war’ and ‘we are with you’. Demonstrations were held at the monument to the MH17 victims at Eindhoven Air Base on Saturday. There was an emotional noise against the war in Russia and a call for tougher sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin. About 150 people gathered.
“It’s a symbolic place,” explains initiator Volodymyr Bevkh. “MH17 was brought down by terrorists, who were supported by Russia. What is going on in Ukraine now is also a pure terrorist attack.”
Many of those present, like Volodymyr, are from the country where the Russians invaded a few days ago. But there are also people from Poland, Georgia and the Czech Republic.
They stand side by side, united by a deep sense of disgust, sadness and fear at the war that has been raging for the past few days. “We want to support the Ukrainian people. We are two thousand kilometers from Kiev, but we want to show that we are connected to them.”
Bevkh is not only referring to the civilians in his homeland, but also to the soldiers who are fighting tooth and nail against the Russian army.
While he talks, there is passionate singing in the background. A woman, a blue-and-yellow flag tied around her shoulders, holds back her tears as she explains, “It’s a prayer in which we ask for help. To anyone from heaven to earth. We need you very much.”
A man carries a sign that reads: ‘Long live Ukraine.’ He is Czech, he says. “My parents experienced a similar invasion in Czechoslovakia in 1968. History repeats itself. I am very concerned where this is leading.”
A Polish woman tells how her mother had to flee the area that is now under attack during World War II. There are also tears in her eyes. “I don’t believe there can be war in Europe in 2022. That’s unbelievable.”
She also says: “History repeats itself. Just like in 1939 the war started. We have been naive here in the west, and still are.”
The protest in Eindhoven is more than a statement of support. It is a signal to The Hague, a penetrating call for tougher and faster sanctions against Putin.
Volodymyr: “It is very nice that the Netherlands decided to supply weapons on Saturday. That is very important. The mentality of the Ukrainians is more powerful than anyone else’s at the moment, there is also solidarity. What we lack is the physical support . So those weapons are most welcome.”
He adds resolutely: “But I hope there will be a dialogue at the table. Not with weapons.”
The Eindhoven Ukrainian tells his story calmly, soberly. Asked about his family, he says: “We are not safe anywhere at the moment. Many acquaintances and friends are now in Kiev. Relatives are ready to join the fight. Like everyone here, I am scared inside. What is happening to my father there , with my uncle, my brother? It’s unreal.”
Eindhoven deputy mayor Monique List was also present at the demonstration to support the approximately 300 Ukrainians living in Eindhoven. “It is very sad to see their grief and worries. We want to show our compassion.”