Under Ghent’s city pavilion, Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day was marked on Sunday with a series of benefit concerts, speeches, and fundraising activities focused on the ongoing Russian war in the region.
Stalls sold food, drinks, and souvenirs, with all proceeds going directly to Ukraine. “The support from the city of Ghent has always been excellent,” said Thomas Weyts from the European Solidarity Network.
Currently, around 80,000 Ukrainians are living or staying in Belgium, including 1,800 in Ghent. “After the war broke out, there was, of course, a significant initial influx. Since then, the population has steadily grown,” Weyts added.
He also highlighted Ghent’s ongoing efforts, including the presence of Flanders’ last emergency village in Oostakker. However, uncertainty looms as Flanders is expected to reduce subsidies for such facilities starting in March.
Although the war began in February 2022, it continues to rage with full intensity. This grim context brought people together under Ghent’s city pavilion on Independence Day for performances, speeches, and a chance to raise funds.
In the afternoon, the event included entertainment and screenings. A documentary titled 'Ukraine Before the War and Today' kicked off the programme, introducing a touching perspective on the country’s losses.
Kit, a Ukrainian resident of Belgium for 20 years, said, “We’re showing this video to remind people of the beautiful cities we had and what they’ve become. These gatherings are about helping victims, as nightly bombings continue and every morning people call to check if their loved ones are still alive. Lives—human and animal—are lost every day. This is a plea to keep helping and giving strength to those in need.”
Throughout the event, pastries, souvenirs, and drinks were sold to raise money. “Convoys with supplies, food, and medicine leave daily for Ukraine,” Weyts noted.
The Independence Day gathering not only celebrated Ukraine’s resilience but also reminded attendees that their ongoing contributions are a lifeline for those enduring the consequences of war.
