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“Standing Together for Ukraine’s Future”: Cavan Honours the Victims of War and Speaks of Solidarity
It has become a tradition to mark the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine with cultural, informational, and educational events involving the Ukrainian community in every city across Ireland. Unfortunately, this year is no exception: the war continues, and therefore Ukrainians around the world do not remain silent — they speak about the destruction, pain, and devastation that have divided millions of lives into “before” and “after.”
Throughout the week, Ukrainians in Ireland organised artistic evenings and creative gatherings so that the voice of poetry and song could be heard, leaving their — undoubtedly peaceful — mark on contemporary history.
Among these events, special attention was given to 24 February. A commemorative event, “Standing Together for Ukraine’s Future” took place at Cavan Public Library, organised by the Association of Ukrainians in Republic of Ireland (AURI) in cooperation with Irish partners.
The gathering marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and became a space to honour the victims of war, to reflect on responsibility, and to demonstrate international solidarity.
Representatives of Cavan County Council, Cavan County Local Development, Cavan PPN, local community organisations, volunteers, and members of both the Ukrainian and Irish communities took part in the event.
Participants honoured the memory of those killed with a minute of silence and reviewed a photo report from the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine documenting large-scale human rights violations.
In his address, the Chairman of the Association of Ukrainians in Ireland, Serhii Balan, emphasised that Ukraine today is fighting not only for its own independence but also for European values — freedom, security, and human dignity. He highlighted the Association’s systematic work in cooperation with Irish partners: since the beginning of the full-scale war, dozens of humanitarian shipments have been sent, medical equipment and generators have been delivered, and 66 ambulances — already operating in Ukraine — have been provided. At the same time, educational, cultural, and integration projects for the Ukrainian community in Ireland continue to be implemented.
A particularly powerful contribution came from Antonina Karelina, who lives and works in Cavan. She shared personal reflections and explained the scale of the war through comparisons meaningful to an Irish audience.
According to her, as of early 2026, more than 116,000 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory — nearly one fifth of the country — remain under occupation. To visualise this area, one would need to take the entire island of Ireland, which covers over 84,000 square kilometres, and add approximately 12–13 additional counties of similar size.
Speaking about destroyed homes, she stressed:
“More than 210,000 buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged. These are not abstract numbers. Even by the most conservative estimates, this means millions of people have lost their homes.”
Antonina also drew attention to losses that are not reflected in statistics:
“There are deaths that will never be recorded as war casualties. People die from stress, from being unable to reach a hospital in time, from living in forced displacement. But these deaths are a direct consequence of war.”
Concluding her speech, she said:
“Over time, Ukraine suffers not less, but more. And this means it needs more support, not less. Sometimes, to remain sane, we switch off. But let that be only temporary.”
The evening was not only about difficult numbers and statistics of loss. It was also about creativity.
Ukrainian lyrical poetry by Nadiia Postemska, the powerful performance of songs by the Ensemble CORALY with trumpeter Viktor Boyko led by Julia Boyko, compositions performed by Mariia Kavetska and Jonas Kriauklys, as well as touching remarks by Olga Dowd and Petro Danylets, screening of a documentary film by Ukrainian artist Serhiy Zhadan about the strength of the cultural front, moments of conversation, and shared photographs — all served as a reminder and affirmation that our strength lies in unity and solidarity, in kindness and creativity, in compassion and support.
The organisers expressed special thanks to Cavan County Local Development, the local Irish authorities, Cavan Library, volunteers, and the entire Irish community for their continued support and solidarity with Ukraine.
The event concluded with a symbolic march to the courthouse building, where participants once again honoured the memory of the war’s victims and emphasised the importance of justice and the rule of law.
The organisers underscored that only through joint efforts — of Ukrainians, Irish people, and Europeans — can freedom be defended and a future built on truth and humanity be secured.
