The Delegation of the European Union together with the Ukrainian and U.S. Embassies celebrate St. Nicholas Day with Ukrainian families

Within the framework of “Saint Nicholas Day”, which is commemorated every December 19, the Delegation of the European Union in Argentina, together with its Member States, the Embassy of the United States and the Embassy of Ukraine in Argentina, held a celebration with Ukrainian families who arrived in Argentina after the Russian invasion.

On February 24, the Russian president decided to illegally invade Ukraine, without any justification, unleashing a new post-COVID crisis that continues to threaten world peace and stability, as well as food and energy security. The European Union, together with its main international partners, has acted united and in solidarity in response to Russia’s military aggression.

It is in this spirit that local representatives of the European Union, the United States and Ukraine decided to organize an activity dedicated to children to celebrate this day in a special way, despite the difficult times they are going through, on the occasion of “St. Nicholas Day”, a date much awaited by young people in Ukraine.

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Amador Sánchez Rico, Ambassador of the European Union in Argentina, said in this regard that “on the eastern border of the European Union we are living times of great frustration, of great tragedy since February 24. The day on which President Putin, moved by historical revisionism and revanchism, decided to invade a sovereign and democratic country such as Ukraine”.

“We are and we will continue to be on the side of Ukraine, whatever it takes and as far as it takes,” said Sánchez Rico, who also expressed his wish that by 2023 “there will be prosperity, but above all peace, peace in Ukraine. The EU is going to continue to be firmly on the side of Ukraine, on the side of international law, on the side of democracy, on the side of territorial integrity and sovereignty of states; always in favor of an international system based on rules, and never on the side of a bully who wants to decide the fate of another country by force.”

For his part, U.S. Ambassador to the country, Marc R. Stanley, dedicated a few words to the families in attendance: “It is true that you are far from home and separated from many of your loved ones by the terrible invasion perpetrated by Vladimir Putin of your home. And yet, look around you, people from different countries have gathered tonight because you matter to us and we wanted to come together in solidarity to support you and your country.” Furthermore, he stressed, “today we gather to share love and light, which we believe will overcome the darkness.”

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Finally, Sergy Neprat, Chargé d’Affaires of the Ukrainian Embassy in Argentina, stressed, “We have been 10 months of this terrible Russian invasion of Ukraine. In some Ukrainian cities there is no light, there are no holidays. We are here for the Ukrainian children who are temporarily in Argentina and who are celebrating St. Nicholas today. Happy holidays to all, peace and victory to Ukraine. Slava Ukrayini, glory to Ukraine.”

During the event families were able to enjoy a typical Ukrainian meal, and children received gifts in the arms of Santa Claus. In addition, Bishop Danyil Kozlynskyi delivered a prayer for peace in Ukraine.

Ambassadors from Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Slovenia, Spain, as well as representatives from France, the Czech Republic, Poland, Sweden and Belgium were also present.

Source: Delegation of the European Union in Argentina