ZDF Heute – in Europa, December 12, 2024. Johanna Muth
The Belgian Marta Barandiy is the face of Ukraine in Brussels. Through her commitment to Ukrainians, she has won the European Citizen’s Prize.
She is the face of Ukraine in Brussels. Marta Barandiy has lived in Belgium for over ten years. The Ukrainian regularly demonstrates here in front of the Russian embassy for her country.
Marta: “Every Monday morning, we remind people that the war in Ukraine continues and that we need their support.”
Solidarity alone is not enough. Action must also be taken at the political level. That’s why Marta meets with Members of the European Parliament. Since June 2022, Ukraine has been a candidate for EU membership.
Marta: “It’s important for us to talk to them so that we can spread our message within the EU.”
Today, Marta is meeting with Kathleen Van Brempt from the Belgian Social Democrats. Marta presents the nonprofit organization Promote Ukraine, which she founded ten years ago.
Marta: “This is my life—to promote Ukraine, Europe, and freedom.”
Her office currently serves as storage for the stand at the Christmas market, where goods from Ukraine are sold. Marta regularly travels back to her homeland. During her last visit, she brought some of the items with her and visited an orphanage.
Marta: “When the children talk about how they lost their parents, it breaks my heart that I can’t do more. It’s anger! Tomorrow, there will be more children like them. Let’s do something.”
To support her compatriots, Marta collects donations—for example, from the proceeds of the Brussels Christmas market. Here, handmade items by Ukrainian refugees, such as herbal tea, wool socks, and honey from Ukraine, are sold.
Marta: “It’s important to connect directly with people so they can get a taste of what Ukraine is.”
Whether in conversations with people in Brussels or on Mondays in front of the Russian embassy, Marta continues her fight for her country. Marta continues her fight for her country.
