The Place de la République in Lille, was adorned Saturday afternoon in blue and yellow. More than 400 people gathered with Ukrainian and European flags to demand an end to the Russian-led attack.
Among them, several political figures, such as the PC presidential candidate Fabien Roussel or the deputy of France Insoumise Adrien Quatennens who called for a diplomatic solution.
Many also came spontaneously like Marie-Josée. For the 50-year-old, it was normal to move around. “What is happening to them could happen to us too. It is important to mobilize.”
In the crowd, many young people and people with relatives in the country. Valeria is Ukrainian. This student lives in Lille as part of the Erasmus program. She is very emotional and angry at the same time. “My city, Odessa, was bombed. My aunt lives in Kiev. So it’s the minimum for me to be there.”
Marie is a Frenchwoman of Ukrainian origin and she is in daily contact with several members of her family who are still in the country. “I’m touched to see this world. I hope the whole world will rally together.”
The city of Lille is already preparing to welcome refugees and provide support to nationals already present in the region.