Help for the people of Ukraine

The brutal Russian war of aggression against Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. Since that day, Ukrainians have experienced bombing attacks every day. Homes, factories and the country's civil infrastructure are being vandalized. People are killed, injured and violated every day. Thousands of children were taken from their families and trafficked to Russia. The human suffering we hear and read about every day is immeasurable. How much strength must this terror demand from the Ukrainians? The country deserves our respect, whose people defend their country with great bravery and sacrifice themselves against the invaders.

The people of Ukraine are fighting for peace and freedom. They are using all their strength against the breach of international law and the destruction of the European peace order. They defend their free and independent state, their democracy and thus the values that the European Union also stands for.

Even though millions of Ukrainian refugees sought protection in Europe after the outbreak of war, most want to stay in their home country and rebuild it as quickly as possible. It is impressive how they try again and again to quickly repair damaged infrastructure, water and power lines in order to maintain life and the economy in the country. And when, for example, classrooms are set up in subway stations in Kharkiv, this is news that is both depressing and hopeful. Even in times of war, school should be possible and children should be given a future.

In our country, numerous volunteers are committed to helping people who have fled from Ukraine to Germany - they help to make the refugees' lives a little easier or make contributions to reconstruction.

There are many signs of lived solidarity. This also includes the first charity opera gala "Rebuild Ukraine" by the Harald Christ Foundation for Democracy and Diversity. Under the patronage of the President of the European Commission Dr. Ursula von der Leyen and co-patron Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, a top-class artistic program will take place on April 19, 2024 in the Konzerthaus Berlin. VDA President Hildegard Müller: "I would be happy if you supported Ukraine and the cause of the initiative, on whose board of trustees I am allowed to serve." The donations collected will be used to rebuild Ukraine.

Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko recently said aptly in the Tagesspiegel: "Europe’s future will be decided in Ukraine. If we don’t stop Putin together, no European country will be able to feel safe tomorrow."

With that in mind, Slava Ukrayini!