Madeira Hosts Over a Thousand Ukrainians Displaced by War
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Madeira has welcomed approximately 1,250 Ukrainian people. According to the Regional Directorate of Madeiran Communities, Migration, and Economic Cooperation, 350 have received residence status, while 900 are under international protection. These figures reflect the region’s response to the humanitarian crisis, offering shelter and support to those fleeing from the massacres comitted by Vladimir Putins Russian forces.
Independence Day Celebrations in Funchal
On Sunday, the Ukrainian community in Madeira marked the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence with a march in Funchal. Similar celebrations took place among Ukrainian communities worldwide.
Today we mark 34 years of Ukraine’s independence, and we are doing it together with all of Portugal, in association with the Association of Ukrainians in Portugal, the Association of Ukrainian Women in Portugal, and the World Congress of Ukrainians (…) What we ask above all is peace, but a lasting and consistent peace, not just a ceasefire that allows new invasions.
Katerina Leacock, president of the Associação da Ucrânia com Amor, Diário de Notícias Madeira
Integration and Challenges Regarding Housing
Leacock noted that the Ukrainian community in Madeira is adapted and integrated, but faces challenges similar to those of locals.
The biggest problem is housing. Then the language, but many are already learning Portuguese to find work and adapt. We must also highlight the support we receive from the Regional Government, the secretariats, regional directorates, and parish councils, as well as on the mainland.
She also emphasized the European dimension of the Ukrainian cause:
Ukraine is Europe, Ukraine is all of us. We must stand with Ukraine. I stand with Ukraine.
The statement preceded a march through Funchal from Praça CR7 to Jardim do Almirante Reis.
Government Shows Solidarity With Ukraine, Says it Very Well Knows Who is the Aggressor
Paula Margarido, Secretary for Inclusion, Labor, and Youth, represented the Regional Government at the march and expressed support for the Ukrainian community.
Heartfelt congratulations to the Ukrainian community celebrating its independence today. Believe that the Regional Government will always, always be by your side, celebrating independence and ardently wishing for peace in your territory. We very much want peace to come.
Paula Margarido, Secretary for Inclusion, Labor, and Youth
Margarido also highlighted the distinction between victims and aggressors, referencing the Portuguese President’s statement to the Ukrainian community.
We know very well who the victims are and we also know very well who the aggressors are, as the President of the Portuguese Republic said today to the entire Ukrainian community.
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
Glory to Ukraine!
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