March in Support of Ukraine Planned in Montenegro

Ukrainians march in Kyiv amid tensions on the Ukraine-Russia border. Photo: EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

Ukraine's Consul in Podgorica, Mykhailo Shmatov, told BIRN that similar marches were being organised by the Ukrainian diaspora worldwide, stressing that the rally in Podgorica has no provocative intentions.

"The idea is to show that Ukrainians around the world support Ukraine in this difficult time, when there are about 150,000 Russian soldiers and military equipment on our border. We want to show that citizens of those countries join Ukrainians with support and show solidarity with our country," Shmatov told BIRN.

"Many Montenegrins share and support common democratic values ​​with Ukraine. Therefore, we hope to see ordinary Montenegrins and state officials on our march," he added.

According to the embassy, the walk will start from the Millennium bridge in Podgorica, pass the Foreign Ministry and parliament and finish at the main Independence Square.

On February 12, several thousand Ukrainians rallied in their capital, Kyiv, to show unity amid fears of a Russian invasion, filing through the centre of the city in a column chanting, "Glory to Ukraine" and carrying Ukrainian flags and banners that read: "Ukrainians will resist" and "Invaders must die".

Shmatov said that his country never interfered in Montenegrin internal affairs or its relations with other countries, including Russia. But he said Ukraine considers Montenegro a reliable partner, which supports its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"This is not about interfering in the interstate relations between Montenegro and Russia. It is about respecting the principles of international law, human rights and freedoms, democratic and friendly principles of...