Jusos Hannover: Solidarity with Ukraine remains alive!

Jusos Hannover: Solidarity with Ukraine remains alive!

Last weekend the district conference of the Jusos Hanover took place, a meeting at which people not only discussed but also took a position - especially on the subject of Ukraine. The Jusos Region Hannover was there with a strong delegation and brought some of its own proposals into the discussion. The central concern that united everyone present was solidarity with Ukraine, which was also emphasized in a welcoming speech by the Ukrainian Association of Lower Saxony. This concern is not only on the Jusos agenda, but is also part of the broader support that Hanover has been providing since Russia's attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Ronja Heinrich, co-chair of the Jusos Region Hannover, covered current developments and emphasized how important international support is for Ukraine. “Solidarity has no expiration date!” was the title of the motion that fueled the discussions. In this context, a lack of understanding was expressed regarding a peace manifesto by several SPD officials, which was criticized as not sufficiently differentiated and as a misunderstanding of the real situation in Ukraine. While the representatives of the association present impressively reported on the horrors of the war, Anton Halbrügge, co-chairman of the Jusos, expressed concerns about past contacts within the SPD with Russia.

Unbroken solidarity with Ukraine

Hanover's solidarity with Ukraine is impressively documented. With support of 500,000 euros, which was decided by the council in June 2022, the city not only provided money, but also made practical help possible. At the last conference, Mayor Belit Onay reaffirmed the close connection to the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, which is particularly suffering from the consequences of the war. Here, over 50 percent of the population has fled and many buildings and the entire infrastructure have been destroyed.

Hanover's support includes aid deliveries, generators and rescue vehicles, as well as activities that draw attention to the plight of the people. On February 24, 2024, Onay plans to take part in a rally in the city to show solidarity. Several events are already being planned, including a benefit concert and a panel discussion on medical support for Ukraine, which is in line with the Jusos' commitment.

Joint initiatives and commitment

The coordinated effort between Hanover and the Ukrainian Association of Lower Saxony has also brought concrete successes in recent years. From September to December 2022, relief deliveries ranging from municipal utility vehicles to food were organized to support those affected in Mykolaiv. The technical relief agency provided respectable power generators to maintain supplies in the severely affected areas.

How the collaboration will develop in the future remains exciting. Hannover plans to continue to provide support for Mykolaiv by providing targeted relief goods and vehicles worth around 150,000 euros. This solidarity is seen not only as a humanitarian duty, but also as a long-term goal to promote Ukraine's EU membership and NATO integration.

The new district board of the Jusos Hannover - consisting of Marco Albers and Lisa Jarmuth as dual leadership and Fidelia Siegismund as deputy district chairwoman - will devote all its efforts to these important concerns. The situation remains dynamic and those responsible will have to continue to keep their eyes and ears open in order to react vigilantly to new developments. Because as it continues to be said in and around Ukraine, solidarity remains an indispensable obligation.