The Day of Liberation of Mariupol. March in Berlin

 

When: 13.06

Where: 18:00-20:00

Who: Vitsche and Platform Tu as part of the Checkpoint Peace project

 

In 2014, along with the annexation of Crimea and the seizure of Donetsk and Luhansk, the russian military and russian-controlled terrorists seized Mariupol and tried to make it part of the so-called "DPR." For two months, they kept the city and its residents in terror and uncertainty. On June 13, 2014, the Ukrainian armed forces managed to liberate Mariupol from the Russian invaders and the Ukrainian flag flew over the city again, announcing liberation and long-awaited peace. This day became a city holiday. 

 

Every year on June 13, Mariupol residents have held celebrations and marched in partnership with the military, volunteers, and public figures. The annual march from Freedom Square to the Drama Theater became a symbol of love for Mariupol and Ukraine, a symbol of peace.

 

But this peace turned out to be fragile, and since May 2022, Mariupol has been under occupation again. Just like 9 years ago, Russian terrorists came to our land and took our city. For the second year in a row, we have not been able to go home, see the Sea of Azov, or walk our home streets. For the second year in a row, we have been unable to celebrate our favorite holiday - the Liberation Day of Mariupol.

 

This year, we decided to organize a march on the Day of Liberation of Mariupol in Berlin and invite everyone who stands in solidarity with Ukraine and the people of Mariupol to join us. This is a symbolic action in which we will march from the central square to the theater, as if through the streets of Mariupol. We will repeat the solemn holiday route, believing in the re-liberation of the city. 

We want peace, but it is possible only after the liberation of our lands, in a free and independent Ukraine. Peace in Ukraine is only possible when all cities, led by the symbol of resilience, Mariupol, are returned home. 

We are coming out on the day of the liberation of Mariupol to celebrate an important date for the Ukrainian city in Berlin, because it is impossible in Mariupol. Join us as we strive together to bring the day of the city's second liberation from occupation closer.