Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), People are being asked to take to the streets in Brussels this month to support Ukraine.
The “Promote Ukraine” NGO is calling on “all supporters of democracy and peace” to join two “pivotal” demonstrations in Brussels this May.
These events, according to the organization, are “crucial in rallying support for the use of Russian assets to bolster Ukrainian air defenses and reminding NATO members of their commitments to Ukraine amidst ongoing aggression.”
Organizers of the demonstration have also called on the Belgian government and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo to “lead in providing Ukraine with air defense systems.”
A spokesman for the NGO said, “The Russian central bank holds approximately €210 billion in assets within the European Union, primarily located in Belgium, which are proposed to be urgently redirected to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
“An open letter demanding immediate action will be delivered to Prime Minister De Croo during the demonstration,” said the spokesman.
“This action is critical following a deadly missile attack on Chernihiv on April 17, which killed 17 and injured over 60. Given delays in Western military aid and looming threats of a Russian offensive, Belgium’s decisive action is essential.”
Johan Van Overtveldt, a member of the European Parliament, and Carlo Van Grootel, lawyer and editor of De Liberale Vereld will reportedly be present at the demonstration, says the Group.
Scheduled to coincide with the Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session at NATO, the 2nd demonstration will urge NATO chiefs of defense, meeting in a NATO-Ukraine Council format, “to uphold their commitments to Ukraine.”
Commenting, Olena Kuzhym, Manifestations Lead, Promote Ukraine NGO, said, “The NATO alliance has delivered only half the aid promised to Ukraine, leaving us critically under-resourced. This delay not only invites further Russian offensives but also prevents us from mounting an effective counteroffensive and even maintaining our frontline positions. Delayed support translates directly into a prolonged war, escalating casualties and destruction, rising costs for our allies, and a devastated Ukrainian military.”
Kuzhym added, “Ukraine remains committed to defending itself and its allies, but to achieve substantial outcomes, we depend on the steadfast support of these allies. It is imperative that NATO fulfils its commitments by enhancing and accelerating its aid. We need proactive actions, not just reactive measures to the peaks of Russian aggression. This is essential for a solid and strategic response,” concluded Kuzhym.
“By participating in these demonstrations, the public can lend a voice to those fighting on the frontlines and remind leaders of their promises to protect democratic values against Russian aggression,” added the spokesman.
The Promote Ukraine NGO says it is committed to advocating for Ukrainian sovereignty and security.
- the first demo is on 13 May at 6.30 pm at rue de l’Enseignement 2, 1000 Brussels, near the Belgian Federal Parliament while the second is on 16 May at 5 pm in front of NATO HQ, Boulevard Léopold III, 1110 Brussels.
