Madeira Stands in Solidarity as Ukraine Figths Europe's Existential Battle

Funchal Raising Its Voice For Ukraine And Europe

Yesterday, February 24, amidst the relentless full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, about 200 people joined the march for solidarity with Ukraine in Funchal. What began as a gathering in front of the Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre transformed into a march that culminated in a vigil in front of Se Cathedral. During the vigil, speakers from Ukraine and Portugal reflected on the shared challenges confronting Europe. The stark reality resonated with everyone present – the lives sacrificed in Ukraine represent not only a staunch defense for the independence of Ukraine but also a broader commitment to a familiar system: a democratic and liberal Europe that many of us consider self-evident but which is threatened as never before. The conflict long turned into Europe's existential battle.

Protesters in front of Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias

Third Year of Russian Full-Scale Invasion

10 years after Russia illegally annexed the Krim, Ukraine has headed into the third year of resistance to a full-scale invasion of its territory. The invasion, which Putin intended to be over within 3 days and that should have resulted in the immediate subjugation Of Kyjiw and the Ukrainian state as a whole, has failed. Ukraine has since been able to claim back a significant amount of territory. Still, it is now facing a standstill and a lack of support from European countries who are unable to provide Ukraine with the necessary support to bring an end to Russian aggression and uphold the rule of law in Europe.

I am certain that you will win and that your victory will be the final victory over barbarism, over totalitarianism and over those who do not respect the territorial integrity of their respective countries
José Manuel Rodrigues at Se Cathedral

Putin Sees Ukraine As The Steppingstone For An Authoritarian World Order

The Russian aggression, which is taking place in a faraway land, is crucial to Madeira and the European Union. The goal, which is being discussed widely in Russian state media outlets, is not - as previously claimed - the ‘denazification’ of Ukraine, it is a world order that seeks to overcome democracy in favor of full-blown mafia states, the likes of Putin's Kremlin dictatorship and the shift from rule of law and the right of an individual to a supremacy of strength.