Marking the fourth anniversary of the comprehensive Russian aggression against Ukraine

25 Feb Marking the fourth anniversary of the comprehensive Russian aggression against Ukraine

At the European House, an exhibition titled ‘Reviving in Glory and Power’ was opened, documenting the destruction of religious objects in Ukraine since the start of the Russian aggressor war, exactly four years ago.

At the opening, EU Ambassador to Serbia Andreas von Beckerath, Ukrainian Ambassador to Serbia Oleksandr Lytvynenko, and KROKODIL Executive Director Milena Berić, who said…”

On this day four years ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of a sovereign European state – Ukraine. While these have been four years of loss and destruction, they have also been four years of courage, unity, and a resolute fight for freedom.

We express our deepest condolences to all those who have endured immense suffering, as well as material and human losses during this period.

Over these long four years, we in Serbia have been forced to confront extremely painful manifestations of a negative legacy present in our society for decades. These manifestations, particularly those stemming from a chronic unwillingness to face the past, have led to an incredible rise in support for the Russian occupation and a worrying display of fanatical Putinophilia. We are witnessing the return and renewed spread of far-right ideas that have always led us into new conflicts and bloody wars.

At the KROKODIL Association, we are determined to take a different, better path. To advocate for that other path.

Unlike a large part of the political and social mainstream in our country, we stand unwaveringly with the people of Ukraine. And we will continue to stand – together with all our members, supporters, and other citizens of Serbia gathered around our programs – until the final victory over the aggressor. Ukrainians are an inspiration to us. While defending their homes against a vastly more powerful enemy and refusing to give up on their European future, the strength they demonstrate reminds us that faith and hope prevail even in the darkest times.

However, our support is by no means passive. Standing with the Ukrainian people from the very beginning, we have taken concrete actions to help those caught in the tragic reality of war and destruction. We have carried out dozens of diverse activities in Serbia, Ukraine, and Europe. Most important and closest to our hearts remain our personal visits to the front lines and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable in Kherson, Blyznyuky, and Kharkiv. This year, we are dedicating our efforts to the children of the “Kapitoshka” kindergarten in Bucha.

Solidarity with Ukraine and its citizens is just as important today as it was on the first day of the aggression. For us, standing with Ukraine represents a decisive choice to stand on the side of justice, democracy, and freedom.

These are precisely the values – European values – that we share with our entire community.”

photos creds EU Delegacija u Srbiji