For Katya, a Ukrainian woman living in France, mobilization in France is necessary
“Glory to Ukraine, glory to our heroes.” An imposing yellow and blue sign in the colors of Ukraine stands out from the crowd gathered on the Republic Square. Yellow glasses, blue down jacket, Katya, 24, a Ukrainian woman who has lived in France for seven years, came with her sweetheart Erica and their friends.
At first, she admits that she worries about her family back in Ukraine. After spending several days in a basement under incessant shelling, her mother left Kyiv on Thursday and headed west to Belyaevka, where part of her family is staying. “There are no bombings there yet, but, as elsewhere in Ukraine, problems with food and electricity begin,” the girl clarifies. “My father stayed, he does not participate in the struggle, but works in the ministry to promote negotiations,” says Katya, who studied art history in France and now works in this environment.
Today’s mobilization is important for her. “It is important that France massively demonstrates support for Ukraine, this is a means of pressure so that my country is not destroyed,” assesses those who would like a stronger mobilization of the French authorities: “France could do more, we have the means for greater influence. »
“If we think that this will not happen here, we are mistaken,” she continues. Erica, her friend, agrees: “In France, we think we are protected, it is a country with many rights, but it is all fragile. »
Katya, 24, a Ukrainian woman living in Paris, and her friend Erika at a pro-Ukraine demonstration at Place de la République in Paris, March 5, 2022