#StandWithUkraine

31 years ago, Ukraine regained its independence. Today, Ukrainians fight to protect the freedom they conquered and safeguard the independence that they own by undeniable right. For Ukrainians, independence means more than a status.

The Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania recruited for two months Ms. Lorraine Kakuyu who had fled the war in Ukraine after nearly completing her first year of medicine studies at the University of Kharkiv. She recalls the moment when she left her former home in the wake of Russia's invasion and reunited with her family in Tanzania, relieved of having escaped the armed conflict.

Every day, the White Angel, a group of police officers led by Rustam Lukomskyi, goes to the small towns of the Donetsk region near the frontline. Despite the constant shelling and the enemy’s proximity, they bring food, medicine, basic necessities, and hope to the local population.

Back in 2017, the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) in Ukraine donated bicycles to the patrol police in Lviv for the first time. Then, EUAM experts had trained more than 40 officers to be prepared for the street patrolling under the train-the-trainer programme.

Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine is a war against a sovereign country but also a war against the values of openness and diversity that the EU is defending and promoting. To mark today’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia #IDAHOBIT2022, the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) gives voice to #HeroesofUkraine from civil society organisations such as the LGBT Human Rights “Nash Svit” Centre.

Today is #EuropeDay, a special day to celebrate “peace and unity” in Europe. This year, this celebration takes a new meaning in light of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. To mark Europe Day, the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) decided to pay tribute to all its Ukrainian counterparts from law enforcement and the rule of law institutions. They show every day their remarkable resilience and unity in resisting the oppressor and contribute to paving the way for a European Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine is a tragedy for millions of people who, fearing for their lives and families, are forced to leave their homeland for other countries. While some plan to stay there with families and friends, others count on the help of kind people and charitable organisations. Everyone organises differently; however, they all hope to meet again in an independent and free Ukraine. According to UN, more than 5 million refugees have now left Ukraine since the Russian invasion on 24 February.

Volunteers continue to support the children, women, and men of Ukraine, even from one of the smallest countries in Europe. Two Maltese cousins, Lorna and Douglas, made their way to Moldova to assist a Community Centre in Dancu Tabita and other NGOs in Ukraine in their work with Ukrainian refugees.

It has already been seven weeks since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee the frontline to safer parts of Ukraine or abroad. These people left their homes and their past, seeking refuge from air and artillery strikes, from invaders who destroyed everything in their path, from the sounds and smells of war.

The EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) continues to honour the heroic resistance of Ukrainians, particularly those among its law enforcement agencies counterparts.. #HeroesOfUkraine are stories about those who save, help, inspire and protect… and sometimes risk their lives defending Ukraine’s right to independence and democracy. Heroes like Mykhailo Vershinin, the Head of the Mariupol Patrol Police, have defended the city and pulled people out of the rubble since the Russian invasion started.

The EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) pays homage to the inspiring men and women from all over Ukraine who showed remarkable resilience since the war started. Based on their experience and their exceptional behaviour at times of war, we are sharing their stories, giving voice to the #HeroesofUkraine.

People and civil society organisations are moving heaven and earth to support those fleeing from the war in Ukraine. This is visible across Europe and in particular in Poland, where solidarity has taken over almost every town. Jakub shared his testimony of what it is like to work in a nongovernmental organisation in Poland, and the challenges to readapt facilities and activities to support Ukraine refugees