28 countries, 39 cities, 39 rallies, and one powerful message in support of Ukraine's NATO membership. Our voice is loud and is heard all over the world!
On 7-12 July, 39 mass demonstrations took place worldwide in support of Ukraine’s invitation to become NATO’s 33rd member.
The rallies were timed to coincide with the NATO summit, which was taking place in Vilnius (Lithuania) on these days. The participants had Ukrainian flags, T-shirts with the sign #UkraineNATO33rd, and banners “Ukraine is welcomed in NATO” and “We see Ukraine in NATO”.
Demonstrators believed that NATO membership is the only security guarantee, Ukraine can trust. According to them, with a strong, qualified army, Ukraine will become a worthy member of the alliance and will be able to defend not only its borders but also Europe as a whole.
It is extremely important for us to receive Ukraine’s official invitation to NATO as soon as possible. We must clearly explain this to all member countries of the military-political bloc. No matter what others may say, in our opinion, membership in the Alliance is the only reliable security guarantee that Ukraine can trust.
The organizers of this campaign are we (ICUV), Communities Army of Ukraine, and Klych. International events were joined not only by proactive communities but also by the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Lithuania, the Lithuanian organization Blue and Yellow, and activists from the Ukrainian community in Lithuania. Thanks to their efforts, massive rallies took place on July 9th and 11th, with 33,000 Ukrainian flags displayed throughout Vilnius, and thematic graphics of the #UkraineNATO33rd campaign featured on some billboards.
Furthermore, we firmly believe that the organization itself needs a strong and battle-tested Ukrainian army as part of its composition. Moreover, NATO’s expansion through Ukraine’s accession should strengthen the security of the entire European continent. Ultimately, we consider granting Ukraine membership in the Alliance as the most effective way to prevent possible wars in Europe!
Actions were in:
- Belgium, Brussels
- Canada, Toronto
- Croatia, Zagreb
- Czech Republic, Brno
- Denmark, Copenhagen
- Estonia, Tallinn
- Finland, Helsinki
- France, Paris
- Germany, Augsburg
- Germany, Berlin
- Germany, Dortmund
- Germany, Kassel
- Germany, Munich
- Germany, Nurnberg
- Germany, Stuttgart
- Hungary, Budapest
- Ireland, Dublin
- Italy, Milan
- Italy, Rome
- Latvia, Riga
- Lithuania, Vilnius
- Moldova, Chișinau
- Norway, Oslo
- Poland, Warsaw
- Poland, Krakow
- Portugal, Lisbon
- Romania, Bucharest
- Slovakia, Bratislava
- Slovenia, Ljubljana
- Spain, Barcelona
- Sweden, Stockholm
- Switzerland, Geneva
- Turkey, Istanbul
- UK, London
- USA, California, Los Angeles
- USA, Chicago, Illinois
- USA, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- USA, Texas, Austin
- Japan, Tokyo
The demonstrators expressed their support in various ways, for example: the Ukrainian community in Ireland, who showed their support by organizing a charity run. People in Phoenix Park, which is the largest park in Europe, covered a distance of 3.3 km. A charity run “I Raise the Flag for Ukraine in NATO” took place also in the center of Barcelona. Continuing the theme of unity, the participants of the action painted one of the posters together, it depicts the united Ukrainian trident, the number 33 and the NATO logo.
Activists in Philadelphia ran 18 kilometers tracing the number 33 through the city center to symbolize Ukraine’s aspiration to become the 33rd member of NATO. They concluded with a demonstration, holding up signs and calling on NATO to grant Ukraine its rightful place as the 33rd NATO member. Those races were also a support of the big 16-day Bakhmut – Vilnius marathon “Raise the flag of Ukraine in NATO”.
The impressive scale of these events showed the strength and unity of people who strive to ensure security and peace in the world. Our voice was loud and was heard all over the globe! Although Ukraine did not receive an official invitation to NATO during this year’s summit, the results of the campaign can still be considered successful. Thousands of people from different countries around the world expressed their support for Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This has already brought Ukraine new weapons, a pilot training program on F-16 fighter jets, the establishment of a new body – the Ukraine-NATO Council, and security guarantees from G7 member states until Ukraine’s accession to the Alliance.
Moreover, it is crucial that the idea of Ukraine becoming the 33rd member of the military-political bloc is gaining positive recognition in the minds of ordinary citizens in NATO member countries. If this sentiment persists among the population of these countries, then under the pressure of public opinion, their political leaders will be compelled to support Ukraine’s accession to the Alliance as its 33rd member.
And now we have a year before the significant event – the Washington Summit 2023. Until then, we maintain unity and confidence that together, through collective efforts, we will take a step forward towards a peaceful and stable future. We invite everyone to join this global movement in support of Ukraine’s NATO membership.
The future of Ukraine lies in NATO, and the support of the global community is a step towards ensuring it. Thanks to all organizers and participants for their active stance and support!