On 23 February 2025, a significant protest took place at Place de la République in Paris, bringing together representatives of the Chechen and Ukrainian people. The event commemorated two tragic events: the Stalinist deportation of the Chechens on 23 February 1944, and the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022.
The event was organized by Jean-Pierre Pasternak, President of the “Union of Ukrainians in France,” and the Chechen Committee. Representatives of the Chechen national liberation movement “United Force” and other organizations opposing Russia’s occupation policies joined the protest.
Putin, like many tyrants, is obsessed with symbolism. The invasion closely coincided with 23 February the day of the Stalinist deportation of the Chechens. However, the attack, initially planned for 23 February, was postponed and occurred on 24 February. Despite the date change, this shared tragedy has united Chechens and Ukrainians in the struggle against a common enemy.
During the event, slogans emphasizing the unbreakable spirit of the participants were chanted. Some Russian opposition members also attended the protest, shouting “Solidarité avec les Tchétchènes” (“Solidarity with the Chechens”) and “Kadyrov killer,” reminding everyone that Ramzan Kadyrov is not a national leader but a tool in Putin’s hands.
A special moment of the programme was a speech by Fatima Suleimanova, a representative of “United Force” and a graduate of the University of Free Nations. In her emotional speech, she summarized the tragedies of these two dates: “Russia has made February a tragic month for entire nations! 23 February 1944: the deportation (genocide) of the Chechen people by Stalin. 24 February 2022: Putin’s war (full-scale aggression) against Ukraine. Today, Russia is waging war against Ukraine. However, it began back in 1994 in Ichkeria, which remains under Russian occupation to this day, as recognized by the Ukrainian Parliament on 18 October 2022. Therefore, it is crucial for Europe to support all nations suffering from Russian oppression and for these nations to unite to defend themselves against the Russian threat.”
The protest was not only a tribute to the tragic pages of history but also a reminder of the need for unity in the ongoing fight against Russian aggression. United by shared painful history and modern challenges, Chechens and Ukrainians expressed solidarity, standing united against occupation and aggression.
