On February 24th, the fourth anniversary of Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine’s Embassy in South Africa held a memorial concert of organ music honouring the victims of Russian aggression and in support of Ukraine. 

The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic corps, government, Ukrainian ex-pats, and journalists. 

Ambassador Olexander Scherba held a speech stressing that despite differences between Europe and Global South, there is something that they have in common: “we don’t attack their neighbours and shed rivers of blood.” The outcome of Russian war against Ukraine will shape the 21st-century, he said. Depending on it, it will be either a century of bloodshed, or of positive cooperation of peoples with different background but same good will. 

He urged countries of the region to work together to bring peace to Ukraine via standing for what is right, and not a comeback of imperialism in its vilest form. 

Ambassador thanked Ukrainian musician Taras Filenko for making this concert possible.