"Civil Assembly in Support of Ukraine" is being held in front of the presidential administration building in Sofia at the initiative of four public organizations. Their demands are for a just peace.
In front of the building there is a large crowd of people carrying flags, posters with the text "Glory to Ukraine" and "No to War". There are also two long flags of Bulgaria and Ukraine. Those present want to show their solidarity with Ukraine and their empathy with the Ukrainian people in their struggle for justice.
The gathering itself began with a symbolic air raid siren, which recreates the everyday life of Ukrainians for the past 3 years.
„Freedom for the defenders of Azovstal“, „Putin is a murderer“.
The rally was also attended by the Ambassador of Ukraine Olesya Ilashchuk. Today is the day that forever changed the course of Ukrainian history, it marks 3 years since Russia's unprovoked and full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she said.
The Ukrainians have proven that our people are strong and love freedom and justice, the Ambassador of Ukraine also pointed out. We are sincerely grateful to the Bulgarian people for their help, she added.
Among those gathered are politicians and ambassadors.
The crowd will head at 7:30 p.m. for a peaceful march to the European Commission building in Bulgaria, which was only days ago sprayed with red paint by supporters of "Vazrazhdane" protesting against the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria.
The event is peaceful and will comply with the laws of the country, said the organizers, quoted by the Bulgarian National Radio.
The event is part of a larger international event that is being organized in many other countries around the world. The organizers are the association of Ukrainian organizations in Bulgaria "Mate Ukraine". Many Bulgarian citizens are also joining in as a sign of support.