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Hong Kong saw a small but resolute demonstration on Saturday as five activists called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, just days before the conflict enters its fifth year. The protest, held in the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, highlighted ongoing international concern over the protracted war and its devastating consequences.

The demonstration underscores a continued, though often muted, expression of solidarity with Ukraine within Hong Kong. Activists voiced concerns not only about the immediate human cost of the war but also about the broader geopolitical implications and the reported involvement of Western technology in fueling the conflict. The protest also served as a platform to remember the two Hong Kong citizens who reportedly died while volunteering with Ukrainian forces.

Protest Highlights Calls for Accountability and End to Conflict

Members of the HK Anti-war Mobilization group gathered at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, displaying placards with slogans such as “Ukraine is not for sale” and “Occupation is a crime,” as well as a direct appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin: “Putin see you in ICC,” referencing the International Criminal Court. The group issued a statement, delivered in both Cantonese and English, condemning Russia’s war as having killed “thousands of Ukrainian troops and civilians,” and specifically acknowledged the deaths of two Hong Kong volunteers fighting alongside Ukrainian forces in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The activists chanted demands including “Say no to hegemonic aggression,” “Russia, ceasefire now, withdraw troops now,” and called for the confiscation of Russian oligarchs’ assets to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction. The group also voiced support for anti-war movements within Russia, where demonstrations have been met with a sweeping crackdown and the arrest of over 20,000 protesters, stating, “Russia must release anti-war activists immediately and cease its crackdown on dissidents.”

The demonstration, which lasted approximately half an hour, was interrupted by Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) officers who requested the activists to disperse.

Broader Context: Hong Kong’s Activism and the Ukraine Conflict

This protest follows a similar demonstration in October 2025, where the same group marched in Tsim Sha Tsui to mark the second anniversary of Israel’s war on Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and expressing support for Palestine. The group’s statement on Saturday reiterated “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s self-determination and urged all nations to cease support for Russia. They also rejected what they described as an “unfair ceasefire deal” and resistance to “a superpower.”

The activists also leveled criticism at the United States, accusing it of an “opportunistic attempt to exploit Ukraine’s natural resources” and excluding Ukraine from negotiations. They also condemned countries continuing to import natural gas from Russia.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in staggering casualties, according to recent reports. A study published in late January 2026 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates between 500,000 and 600,000 Ukrainian troops and approximately 1.2 million Russian troops have been killed, wounded, or are missing since the war began on February 24, 2022. The CSIS study specifically estimates 325,000 Russian troop casualties and between 100,000 and 140,000 Ukrainian troop casualties. The United Nations reported in mid-February 2026 that over 15,000 civilians have been killed and more than 41,000 injured in Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion.

As the war approaches its fifth year, the situation remains volatile and the require for a peaceful resolution is increasingly urgent. The demonstration in Hong Kong serves as a reminder of the global concern surrounding the conflict and the continued calls for a ceasefire and a lasting peace.

What comes next remains uncertain, but continued international pressure and diplomatic efforts will be crucial in de-escalating the conflict and finding a path towards a sustainable resolution.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

A two-year-classic boy is recovering after a harrowing ordeal in Rokycany, Czech Republic, where he fell into a stream and was clinically dead for over two hours. The child, identified as Marek, was saved thanks to the rapid response of bystanders and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life-support system that temporarily replaces the function of the heart and lungs. The case underscores the critical importance of swift action and proper first aid in drowning incidents.

The dramatic rescue unfolded after 18-year-old Alexander and a friend discovered Marek approximately 500 meters from the point of his fall. They immediately began providing first aid until aid arrived. The town’s mayor, equipped with a defibrillator, and a police officer joined the young rescuers in sustaining Marek’s life until professional paramedics could reach the scene. Doctors at the Banská Bystrica Children’s Hospital were able to stabilize the boy using ECMO, a procedure that proved essential to his survival.

ECMO: A Lifeline for Critical Cases

Upon arrival at the hospital, Marek’s condition was extremely critical. He had a body temperature of just 18 degrees Celsius and a minimal pulse, requiring continuous resuscitation. “The boy arrived to us under continuous resuscitation, meaning the doctor was performing chest compressions while a paramedic assisted with breathing,” explained Oliver Petrík, head of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Banská Bystrica Children’s Hospital. ECMO was deployed to support both Marek’s lung and heart function.

The ECMO machine works by taking blood from the patient, pumping it through an oxygenator, and returning the oxygenated blood back to the body, effectively bypassing the failing organs. “We needed to replace both lung and heart function. Blood is taken from the patient through one tube, passes through a pump and oxygenator, and is returned to the patient oxygenated,” Petrík stated. According to Petrík, without the ECMO machine, Marek’s chances of survival were extremely low. “Definitely. He would have died,” he said.

A Coordinated Rescue Effort

The successful outcome was attributed to a coordinated effort from all involved, from the initial bystanders to the medical team. “The sequence of all steps worked very correctly. From the initial layperson resuscitation, the correct decision to contact us, the properly secured air transport, the help from colleagues at Roosevelt Hospital, and all of us working to save the boy,” Petrík concluded. The case highlights the importance of rapid response and the availability of advanced medical technologies like ECMO in emergency situations.

Marek’s parents expressed immense gratitude, describing his survival as a “miracle” and thanking both God and the medical professionals for their care. “It’s a miracle. A divine miracle. Even the doctor said it was a divine miracle. We thank God that our little one survived and we thank the doctors for helping him,” the Fekovci family said.

Understanding how to respond in a drowning situation can be life-saving. Key steps include immediately calling for help (112 or the local emergency number), avoiding entering the water if you are not a strong swimmer, using flotation devices, maintaining contact with the victim, and performing CPR if necessary. The American Red Cross offers comprehensive water safety training and resources.

The use of ECMO is becoming increasingly common in supporting critically ill adults and children with severe cardiac or respiratory failure. Research indicates that ECMO circuits and the physiological disturbances of critical illness can significantly alter drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, complicating dosing and monitoring.

As Marek continues his recovery, his case serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the remarkable advancements in medical care that can offer hope in even the most dire circumstances. The focus now shifts to his ongoing rehabilitation and the long-term effects of his ordeal.

Share this story to raise awareness about the importance of water safety and the life-saving potential of ECMO technology. Leave a comment below with your thoughts on this incredible rescue.