The message from Old Town Square: Ukraine is defending us all

Together with people from all over the Czech Republic, President Pavel listened to stories of the heroism of Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion, messages from the parents of Czech citizens who gave their lives for Ukraine's freedom, Slovak actress and diplomat Magda Vášáryová, Polish director Agnieszka Holland, and speeches by representatives of the organisations People in Need, Paměť národa, Díky, že můžem, Milion Chvilek Pro Demokracii, and the European Congress of Ukrainians.

President Petr Pavel: "The future of Ukraine will also have an impact on our prosperity and security"

The president's speech was greeted by thunderous applause and chanting. "We are not only defending Ukraine as a country and a nation; we are defending a principle that protects small and medium-sized countries like ours. So that we can decide our own future, according to our own will," the President told the gathering. "I hope that our government also realises that the future of Ukraine will have an impact on our prosperity and security. And that it is therefore in our interest to continue to support Ukraine until a just peace is achieved."

The rally featured Ukrainians whose lives have been affected by the Russian invasion. One of whom was Serhiy Zhukovsky, a veteran who lost both his arms in the war. After rehabilitation and with bionic prostheses, he has transformed himself into a successful entrepreneur. "War teaches you simple things very quickly. You begin to appreciate light when you don't have it. You begin to appreciate silence—when all you hear are explosions. And you begin to appreciate people when you realise that it is ordinary people who bear the heaviest burden. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the Czech people, for your support for Ukraine. Every pro-Ukrainian stance— especially when expressed by representatives and citizens of other countries—is worth its weight in gold to us. I have only one wish: for the war to end and for our children to be safe."

"Sometimes it is enough to talk, explain or just try to make our world a better place" — Ivana Krejčová, mother of a fallen Czech volunteer

The parents of Czechs who gave their lives for Ukraine's freedom also spoke at Old Town Square. One of them was Ivana Krejčová, the mother of medic Martin "Taylor" Krejčí. “I believe that heaven and hell are within us. It is up to us to decide which direction to take in our lives and actions. I understand that not everyone can go and fight or treat the wounded. Sometimes it is enough to talk, explain or just try to make our world a better place so that those who will one day have to fight will find it worth fighting in the trenches. Martin had the light of humanity within him, and that burned brightly. Almost everyone has that light within them. Look for it, don't let it go out. Don't let our world be destroyed!"

"The fight for freedom and democracy is universal," — Magda Vášáryová

Slovak actress and diplomat Magda Vášáryová recalled that 21 February was exactly eight years since Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak was murdered: she mentioned the universality of the struggle for freedom and democracy in Central Europe, which is now under threat. This was also echoed in a video greeting from Polish director Agnieszka Holland, who, along with other speakers, pointed to a sad parallel from Czech history: "We cannot allow Munich to be repeated."

Bára Stárek from Díky, že můžem (Thank You for Letting Us Speak) spoke about the role of disinformation in dividing society and called for signatures on a petition in support of public service media. "The truth about this war is not subjective; there is only one, and without strong and independent media, we cannot defend it—and that applies precisely to public service media." Mikuláš Kroupa from Paměť národa pointed out that: "Ukraine reminds us of the existence of things that are worth fighting for, worth suffering for, and worth living for." Bohdan Rajčinec from the European Congress of Ukrainians thanked volunteers from other countries who are fighting alongside Ukrainians.

Mikuláš Minář from Milion chvilek pro demokracii (A Million Moments for Democracy) mentioned a hypothetical scenario of Russian troops on the Slovak border to emphasise that the Ukrainians' struggle is indeed also a struggle for our freedom and the freedom of Europe. "What we need today are courageous citizens and politicians who will not underestimate our security at this critical moment in history and who will not throw Ukraine overboard." 

"One day, we will look back on our aid to Ukraine with great pride," said Šimon Pánek

Šimon Pánek, our director at People in Need, concluded the speeches by the organising organisations. "The Czech Republic is one of the major centres of support for Ukraine. I think that one day we will look back on this with great pride," he said. "However, apart from guarantees for companies and the ammunition initiative, the Czech government has decided to cancel aid to Ukraine and almost cancel aid from Czechia abroad. I think it should be restored, not only because it is ethical and shows solidarity, but also because it is the will of a large part of the population," he concluded.