Brussels, My Love? How activism is helping Ukrainians endure four years of full-scale war
Feb 27, 2026
Katharina Emschermann, EU policy expert on security and enlargement. Marta Barandiy, longtime activist who mobilised support for Ukraine across Europe. Sasha Vakulina, Kyiv-based correspondent with frontline reporting. They discuss the invasion’s first hours, activist networks and volunteer mobilisation, EU political obstacles and vetoes, debates over weapons and timelines, and Europe's role in future negotiations.
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On Air When The Invasion Began
- Sasha Vakulina was on air in Kyiv when the invasion began and had to cut her live report to seek safety amid sirens and nearby explosions.
- She arrived in Kyiv a week earlier, heard the first Maidan air raid sirens at 7am on 24 Feb 2022 and experienced fighter jets flying low above her head.
Activists Mobilised Overnight In Brussels
- Marta Barandiy learned of the invasion abroad via messages and immediately began organising demonstrations and help in Brussels, working non-stop for hours to mobilise people.
- Promote Ukraine grew from five activists to 150 helpers within 24 hours, reflecting rapid civic mobilisation.
Slow Responses Risk Long Term Support Erosion
- Marta Barandiy warned that slow European responses risked attention shifts, refugee fatigue and reduced support if measures like weapons and sharp sanctions are delayed.
- She argued prolonged delay lowers Ukraine's chances to win and encourages public exhaustion in host countries.