In Cyprus, the victims of the Russian missile attack were commemorated
Protests and memorials took place in four cities in Cyprus to honor the victims of the Russian missile attack on July 8. Besides expressing support for Ukraine, the demonstrators aimed to remind Europe and the world that Russian terror must be stopped with arms supply and sanctions before the aggression spills beyond Ukraine’s borders.
In memory of the civilian casualties of this war, Ukrainians in Larnaca lit candles near the Anchor Heart monument, a gift from Odessa to its sister city. Since the full-scale invasion, this place has become a memorial and a point of unity for the Ukrainian community in Larnaca. The organizer’s speech, delivered in English, was addressed to the many tourists strolling along the Larnaca waterfront this season.
About fifty people gathered on the waterfront of Paphos. Children held posters forming the phrase “Help Ukraine. Save Us From Russia.” The organizers used a megaphone to tell tourists, who had come for a peaceful evening walk, about Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital and called on the world to prevent another world war.
The rally in the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian embassy. Despite the very short preparation time, several dozen Ukrainians from Nicosia attended the rally.
The largest demonstration, with about 100 people, took place in Limassol. After a brief rally and a prayer by Greek Catholic Church priest Father Vasyl, a march along the Molos promenade was held to draw the attention of as many people as possible.
Ukrainians left an improvised memorial with children’s toys and posters saying “We are Ukrainian children and we want to LIVE” near the monument to Cypriot pediatrician Dr. Amerikos Argyrou.
According to the Ukrainian military, on July 8, the Russian army launched more than 40 missiles of various types at Ukraine. The strikes hit Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, and Pokrovsk. As of the morning of July 9, the total number of deaths from this attack reached 38 people, including four children, and 190 were injured. Nearly 100 objects were damaged: a children’s hospital, a maternity ward, residential buildings, kindergartens, a college, and a business center. The clearing of debris continues at the sites.