On convoy with Caroline de Gruyter, Rob de Wijk, Tommy Wieringa, Jaap Scholten, Ukrainian musicians and the writers of Protect Ukraine.
On 24 February, it will be four years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Refusing to live under Moscow’s rule, Ukrainians rose up. As they did during Maidan in 2014, they are fighting for freedom and dignity. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Teachers, drivers, farmers, nurses and students have now resisted the world’s second-largest army for four years.
They can only do this with our help. Half of all supplies reaching the front are delivered by volunteers: friends, family, and Ukrainian and international NGOs. They bring equipment, but also hope and solidarity. Protect Ukraine is one of these organisations and has supported Ukrainian soldiers and medics with lifesaving supplies since the beginning of the war.
Fundamental values are at stake: democracy, self-determination, dignity and the security of Europe itself. Ukrainians offer an inspiring example of resistance to a violent autocracy. They defend Europe’s borders without belonging to either the EU or NATO. The outcome of this war will shape Europe’s future. Supporting Ukraine is not charity; it is strategic self-defence.
Writers, journalists and photographers travel with Protect Ukraine’s convoys. They have witnessed the war at close quarters. Drawing on their experiences in Ukraine and Russia, they share stories, analysis and extracts from their work. Powerful film footage and performances by Ukrainian musicians give expression to what words alone sometimes cannot convey.
‘These brave Ukrainians show us why their country is such an inspiring example for Europe: they defend their democracy with everything they have and refuse to surrender an inch of freedom.’
— Tommy Wieringa
Featuring:
- Tommy Wieringa — Writer and ambassador for Protect Ukraine.
- Rob de Wijk — Historian and Emeritus Professor of International Relations.
- Oleg Lysenko — Classical accordion and bayan player who, in collaboration with the television programme Even tot Hier, raised more than €3 million for his organisation Transport Ambulances to Ukraine (TATU).
- Jaap Scholten — Writer and founder of Protect Ukraine.
- Iris Koppe — Writer whose work includes the regular Elena column in de Volkskrant.
- Alex Tugushin — Guitarist and sound recordist for the documentary Konvooi.
- Jelle Brandt Corstius — Journalist and writer who made a documentary series about Russia for VPRO.
- Caroline de Gruyter — European affairs correspondent for NRC Handelsblad.
- Sofia Dorosh — Ukrainian pianist.
- Maurits Chabot — Historian, journalist and author of Over de Kloof, a book about unlikely friendships for which he visited people in conflict and war zones around the world.
- Polina Sharykina — A Ukrainian who rebuilt her life in the Netherlands through dance.
- Makivka Ensemble — A young women’s choir performing traditional Ukrainian polyphonic music.
Hosted by journalist and presenter Sarah Bronkhorst and journalist, writer and television producer Olaf Koens.
Click here for tickets.