Hundreds march across Lisbon and Porto to mark 35 years of Ukrainian independence

Demonstrations across Portuguese cities

On Sunday, 23 August 2026, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in cities across Portugal to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's proclamation of independence, which is celebrated officially on Monday, 24 August. In Lisbon, approximately 500 participants marched from Eduardo VII Park toward Praca do Comercio, waving national flags and carrying placards inscribed with the phrase "Obrigado Portugal". In Porto, where more than 10,000 Ukrainian residents live, nearly 200 people joined a slow march accompanied by the sound of sirens that have tormented Ukraine for over four years. Demonstrators in Porto brought a giant national flag into the streets to express gratitude to Portuguese citizens who took in refugees and sent aid from the earliest days of the Russian invasion.

Appeals for winter aid and diplomatic pressure

The nationwide demonstrations, which also took place in the cities of Faro and Funchal, were organized by the Association of Ukrainians in Portugal. Pavlo Sadhoka, the president of the association, stated that the Lisbon march aimed to draw attention to the difficult winter awaiting Ukraine and the necessity of bringing an end to the war. He urged Portuguese politicians, European governments, and broader civil society to intensify their support before winter conditions exacerbate civilian hardship.

We want to draw the attention of European countries, Portuguese politicians, and Portuguese society to provide maximum support this year to end, or try to end, this war through pressure on Putin's regime, or else give everything for Ukraine so that Ukrainians can survive.

Sadhoka also thanked Portuguese citizens for their sustained solidarity since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

It is very important to know that we are not alone, that we are supported.

Air defense deficits and community support

Participants in the rallies voiced acute concern over intensified Russian strikes that increasingly affect civilian areas across Ukraine. Lyubov Sikaylo, a 28-year-old teacher who attended the Lisbon march, explained that her family lives near Kyiv and remains in danger despite avoiding direct bomb impacts so far. Sikaylo emphasized that Ukraine faces a severe deficit in defensive capabilities against continuous Russian ballistic missile attacks. The shortage of interceptor missiles for US-manufactured Patriot systems persists, while Washington has not sold additional Patriot armaments to Kyiv despite repeated requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

There are no safe zones, especially now due to the many ballistic missiles. We do not have air defense to counter ballistic missiles.

Sikaylo added that gatherings held by diaspora groups in Portugal provide mutual comfort for expatriates separated from relatives.

These Ukrainian organizations here in Portugal are very important for us to feel the affection, the warmth of those people who are going through the same thing.

Commemorations in the fifth year of conflict

The rallies across Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Funchal combined expressions of gratitude with calls to oppose Russian aggression and the authoritarian systems backing Moscow. Organizers stated that after more than four years of war, Ukrainians continue fighting to protect their right to remain a free, democratic, and sovereign country. Sunday's marches concluded peacefully along downtown routes ahead of official independence day observances on Monday.