Vitali Klitschko denounces Russia’s genocide of his people
The towering figure of Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko was in Lisbon yesterday as part of his tour of countries to reinforce Ukraine’s ongoing need for armaments and defence systems to repel Russian invaders.
The former boxer who stands over two metres tall looked like a giant in city hall as he was welcomed by mayor Carlos Moedas and presented with the keys of honour to the city.
Klitschko wasted no time in denouncing the attacks on his country as Russia’s desire to destroy the Ukrainian people.
“It is not a special operation, it is not a war, it is genocide, it is terrorism,” he said, stressing that Ukrainians want to be part of the European democratic family, and free.
“We do not want to be part of the Russian empire,” he told an audience of guests that included several diplomats as well as members of the Ukrainian community.
“Ukraine must succeed in this war,” he continued, admitting Ukrainians never really expected the invasion, in spite of the build-up of Russia’s forces on its borders.
More than a year later, there is no accurate estimate yet of civilian and military casualties, but “there are thousands and thousands” – as well as an achingly high level of destruction in the country.
“Kyiv is not on the front line, but there are 800 destroyed buildings in the city, and 150 civilians have been killed, including five children,” since the invasion began in February last year, he said.
The war has destroyed Ukraine’s economy, which is why Klitschko and others continue appeals for help rebuild the country post-war.
Kyiv mayor since 2014, Vitali Klitchko handed Carlos Moedas a plan with suggestions for Lisbon’s participation in helping to rebuild Kyiv, and invited the mayor of Lisbon to visit the city at a date yet to be decided.
The former prizefighter also thanked Portugal for all the help and solidarity it has given Ukraine this far, especially in the reception of thousands of Ukrainian refugees.
Portugal has granted more than 59,000 temporary protections to people who have fled Ukraine since the start of the war, according to data released by the Foreigners and Immigration Service (SEF) on Monday.
Lisbon is the municipality with the most temporary protections granted, 12,570, followed by Cascais (3,798), Porto (3,042) and Sintra (1,997), according to the SEF.
“Since the war started, we have helped many,” said Carlos Moedas, who recalled that the Portuguese have supported the Ukrainians “from the very beginning”.
The city’s key of honour distinguishes “national or foreign personalities, institutions or organisations that – for their prestige, position, action or relationship with Lisbon – are considered worthy of this distinction”, according to city hall.
Source material: LUSA
