"Stop Putin's War!" Ukrainians in Korea Condemn Russian Atrocities

Demonstration and March Near Russian Embassy in Korea
"Stop Killing Our People" Slogans... Urging Peaceful Resolution

28 'Joint Press Conference of Civil Society Urging Russia to Stop the Invasion of Ukraine and Seek a Peaceful Resolution.' Photo by Woo-seok Kang, Intern Reporter beedolll97@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Wooseok] "How can we believe that such brutal acts are happening in the civilized society of the 21st century! Why must this happen?"

Mr. Kim Pyeongwon, a Korean resident who returned from Ukraine, choked up and was at a loss for words. A woman holding a Ukrainian flag with "STOP WAR" written on it behind him also had tears in her eyes. He soon raised his voice and shouted, "What could possibly send a beloved father to the front lines where death awaits, making his young daughter and father shed endless tears!"

On the 28th, about 400 civic groups including People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, World Without War, and Solidarity for Social Progress held a joint press conference near the Russian Embassy in Korea titled "Joint Civil Society Press Conference Urging Russia to Stop the Invasion of Ukraine and Seek Peaceful Resolution." The press conference was attended by about 30 Korean residents who returned from Ukraine, Ukrainians and Russians residing in Korea, and ordinary citizens hoping for peace, along with civic groups such as People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and Solidarity for Social Progress. Many of them wore masks painted with the Ukrainian flag or held placards with anti-war messages and Ukrainian flags.

Ms. Lee Songyi (41), who wore yellow clothes symbolizing Ukraine, said, "(Because of the war) there are too many absurd casualties, and I think there should be a helping hand worldwide for this." She added, "I felt strongly that even I should reach out, so I came to the press conference."

On the 28th, at the site of the 'Joint Press Conference of Civil Society Urging Russia to Stop the Invasion of Ukraine and Seek a Peaceful Resolution.' Photo by Woo-seok Kang, Intern Reporter beedolll97@asiae.co.kr

The press conference began with a moment of silence to mourn the war dead, followed by speeches from civic activists and Korean resident Kim Pyeongwon from Ukraine, chanting of anti-war slogans (in Russian and Korean), reading of the press statement, an anti-war die-in performance, and delivery of the statement to the Russian Embassy in Korea.

They also called for ▲ immediate cessation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and troop withdrawal ▲ humanitarian aid from the international community to the Ukrainian people ▲ diplomatic and peaceful solutions sought by Russia and the international community ▲ solidarity with Ukraine and Russians resisting the war.

The press conference proceeded in a peaceful atmosphere. Although many police officers were deployed around the venue, there were no loud arguments. The mood was encouraging, with applause and chanting of anti-war slogans wishing for peace in Ukraine. However, when Kim Pyeongwon spoke about the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people, some who appeared to be Ukrainians wiped away tears.

Mr. Kim Jehyeok (35), who has a Ukrainian wife, said he felt very sad and frustrated about the situation. He said, "My wife’s family lives near the Ukrainian border. Staying at home is frustrating, so I came to the press conference." He firmly stated, "War can never be justified for any reason. I pray that no more casualties occur in Ukraine."

Ms. Liza Raidonova (21), a Ukrainian studying at a university in Korea, said it was hard to believe the reality but emphasized the importance of solidarity at times like this. She said, "It’s hard to accept the news about Ukraine that comes out every morning," but added, "I’m proud that everyone is showing solidarity and encouraging each other."

Not only Koreans and Ukrainians but also Russians participated in the press conference. Veronica, who identified herself as Russian, said, "Despite being Russian, I condemn Russia’s acts of war. I hope the invasion stops immediately." She added, "I came here for peace and for Ukraine."

On the 28th, at the site of the 'Joint Press Conference by Civil Society Urging Russia to Stop the Invasion of Ukraine and Seek a Peaceful Resolution.' Photo by Intern Reporter Kang Wooseok beedolll97@asiae.co.kr

Meanwhile, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the 24th, it has continuously faced condemnation and sanctions from the international community. On the 25th, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) announced the official termination of its accession negotiations with Russia. On the 26th, the United States and some European countries expelled Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), excluding them from the international financial payment network.

On the 27th, the European Union (EU) Commission banned Russian aircraft from flying in its airspace. The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it would block exports of strategic materials to Russia and also participate in the SWIFT exclusion.

At the busy press conference venue that day, a young man wearing a university department jumper was watching the scene. He said,

"(Regardless of diplomacy or politics) I hope war never happens... I hope peace comes."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.