Bordeaux, France – As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, associations in the Gironde region are reporting a concerning shift in public perception, moving from active solidarity to a sense of normalization of the conflict. Whereas support hasn’t vanished, organizers say maintaining engagement and awareness is becoming increasingly challenging as the war fades from daily headlines. A demonstration is planned for this Saturday, February 21st, at the Parvis des Droits de l’Homme in Bordeaux to mark the anniversary of the Russian invasion.
The shift is particularly noticeable in participation numbers at rallies and fundraising events. Svitlana Poix, president of La Maison ukrainienne, recalled that a march in March 2022 “filled the Place de la Bourse,” while recent events have attracted around 600 people. This decline, however, isn’t necessarily indicative of waning support, but rather a symptom of broader fatigue and a disconnect from the ongoing realities in Ukraine. The associations involved – Ukraine Amitié, Pont de l’espoir, La Maison ukrainienne, and Gradignan Ukraine Solidarité – are focused on sustaining momentum.
The concern extends beyond event attendance. Members of these organizations are encountering a troubling trend: a lack of understanding about the continued fighting and, disturbingly, the spread of Russian propaganda. “We hear astonishing things,” explained Olena Tchoumatchenko of La Maison ukrainienne. “People ask us if the war is still happening, why we won’t cede our territories, if it’s true we are Nazis… We realize that Russian propaganda is gradually penetrating minds.”
The Challenge of Maintaining Awareness
Anna Tiazhkorob of Ukraine Amitié believes the issue isn’t a loss of pro-Ukrainian sentiment, but a lack of consistent engagement with the news. “We still hear a lot of pro-Ukrainian discourse, but as many French people don’t follow the news, they have a false vision of the conflict,” she stated. Oleksandra Bertin, president of Ukraine Amitié, summarized the change: “The gaze on our country has changed. In 2022, French people were going to pick up refugees fleeing the combat zones, they were sending aid on the ground. Today, all that no longer exists. But messages of solidarity are still there.”
Precarious Status for Ukrainian Refugees in Gironde
Approximately 2,000 Ukrainians are currently residing in the Gironde region, according to figures compiled by the associations, but their legal status is often precarious. Poix noted that Ukrainians are frequently denied subsidiary protection – a status available to those who don’t qualify as refugees – and are instead encouraged to seek asylum. However, obtaining asylum can prevent them from returning home, creating a tough situation for those with family members still in Ukraine. “The problem arose for a woman who wanted to see her husband, mobilized on the front,” Poix explained.
This instability impacts access to housing and employment. Tchoumatchenko highlighted the case of a Ukrainian urologist who, despite being fluent in French and willing to perform in rural areas where doctors are in short supply, was unable to have her qualifications recognized. “All that was offered to her was a position as a nurse in a retirement home. She ended up leaving for the United States,” Tchoumatchenko said.
The associations are continuing their work to support both refugees and those remaining in Ukraine, but face the ongoing challenge of combating misinformation and sustaining public attention. The demonstration on February 21st serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict and a call for continued solidarity.
As the war continues, the situation for Ukrainian refugees in France remains complex. The associations in Gironde are working to address both the immediate needs of those who have fled the conflict and the broader challenge of maintaining awareness and support in the face of growing apathy. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the initial wave of solidarity can be sustained.
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