In 50 cities around the world, activists from the “Fridays for Future” movement took to the streets on Thursday for peace in Ukraine – including in the Austrian capital. According to the organizers, around 3,000 supporters gathered at Vienna’s Heldenplatz in the late afternoon, who in particular also called for international solidarity.
Since February 24 and the beginning of the war in the next-but-one neighboring country, nothing has been the same, said Terezija Stojsits from the League for Human Rights. “It is clear to me that the Russian invasion is a barbaric attack, a violation of the UN Charter and all international agreements,” said the former Green politician, speaking of a “crime of international law.” “Stop buying Russian oil and gas” , demanded Magdalena Frauenberger from “Fridays for Future”. She also blamed Austria for filling Vladimir Putin’s war chest. In chants, climate and peace policy were equated. “We will need a lot of strength to keep up the aid.”Tanja Wehsely from Volkshilfe Wien reported on the reception of the first Ukrainian refugees on February 25 at Vienna Central Station. The current wave of helpfulness is excellent, but it doesn’t have to go on for just a week or two or just a month. “We will need a lot of strength to keep this help going,” she explained. 20-year-old Ukrainian activist Arina reported that her family in Kyiv is currently hiding from Russian bombs. She urged the West to fight together with Ukraine. Only together can you win against Russia, she said.
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