{"id":1716,"date":"2026-02-21T20:41:46","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T20:41:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/?p=1716"},"modified":"2026-02-22T16:59:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T16:59:31","slug":"yuriko-backes-urges-global-action-this-war-could-have-been-stopped-europe-must-stand-firm-for-ukraine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/2026\/02\/21\/yuriko-backes-urges-global-action-this-war-could-have-been-stopped-europe-must-stand-firm-for-ukraine\/","title":{"rendered":"Yuriko Backes Urges Global Action: \u201cThis War Could Have Been Stopped\u201d Europe Must Stand Firm for Ukraine"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Luxembourg (Helvilux)- Exactly four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine<\/strong>, the conflict continues to exact a devastating toll on human lives, communities and families \u2014 even as millions of civilians remain displaced and many long to return home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to multiple independent estimates, the war has resulted in nearly two million military casualties<\/a><\/strong> including killed, wounded and missing soldiers on both sides with Russian forces bearing most of the losses and tens of thousands of fatalities among Ukrainian troops and civilians. Estimates suggest approximately 1.2 million Russian military casualties<\/strong>, including as many as 325,000 killed<\/strong> and between 500,000 and 600,000 Ukrainian military casualties<\/strong>, with 100,000\u2013140,000 killed<\/strong> since the invasion began in February 2022. Verified civilian deaths exceed 14,000, though the total is thought to be much higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solidarity in Luxembourg: Hundreds March for Peace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Today (21 Feb, 2026) in Luxembourg City, a solidarity march organised by LUkraine asbl<\/a><\/strong> drew hundreds of supporters and families to the Place de Clairefontaine to remember the victims of the war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants carried flags and signs, and songs of homeland and hope were sung by Ukrainian children and adults alike a poignant reminder of the human cost of four years of conflict. Delegations and individuals from neighbouring European countries such as Lithuania, Latvia, Finland and Poland were also present, expressing solidarity with Ukraine\u2019s struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, as recently as last month, Luxembourg\u2019s Ukrainian organization exposed the poor conditions of asylum facility centers where Ukrainians have been living for several months. Following this, local residents showed more support and sympathy toward them, which also encouraged participation in the solidarity march.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Voices of Support: Luxembourg Minister Stresses Global Stakes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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In an emotional address, Luxembourg\u2019s Defence Minister Yuriko Backes<\/a><\/strong> emphasised that the conflict has broader implications beyond Ukraine\u2019s borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She said, This war could have been stopped long ago, a year ago, two years ago, or even today, yet it continues. Russia continues to bombard innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

She reaffirmed Luxembourg\u2019s consistent support for Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict and underscored the principle that European security can only be assured when Ukraine\u2019s sovereignty is respected and restored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Struggles of War-Torn Families in Luxembourg and Europe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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While many Ukrainians sought safety in European countries like Luxembourg, Germany, France and beyond, the plight of refugees, especially women and children, remains a pressing concern<\/strong>. Thousands arrived with temporary protection status, often separated from family, traumatised by war and uncertain about the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many refugees express a deep longing to return home but feel unable due to ongoing fighting, insecurity and destruction of homes and infrastructure. Among them are mothers caring for children with limited access to education, language barriers, and few employment opportunities in host countries, challenges that compound mental stress and isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controversy Over Conditions at Luxembourg Asylum Centres<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Adding to the strain on displaced Ukrainians, reports have emerged about poor conditions in some of Luxembourg\u2019s asylum facilities<\/strong>. Helvilux media on 22 November 2025 and also on published the article showing the poor condition of First facility asylum center which is situated at Kirchberg in Luxembourg city. Click here to read.<\/a> Investigations by RTL Today<\/a>, L\u2019Essentiel<\/a><\/em>, Luxemburger Wort<\/a><\/em>, Tageblatt Letzebuerg<\/a><\/em>, Luxembourg Times<\/a><\/em> and Helvilux<\/a> local media outlets documented overcrowded and unhygienic conditions at the CPA Kirchberg reception centre and other asylumcenters in Luxembourg<\/strong>, where newly arrived refugees including Ukrainian families were housed. Images and testimonies showed blocked toilets, flooded bathrooms and improvised sleeping arrangements conditions described by residents as degrading and difficult, especially for vulnerable children.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Also Ukrainian Ombudsman and LUkrain vicepresident Inna Yaremenko on social media started to post the images of poor condition of CPA Kirchberg reception center and followed up with authority to provide basic need to Ukranians and other asylumseekers who are living and facing daily problems in that camp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humanitarian advocates argue that refugees fleeing war should not face additional hardship or insufficient basic amenities<\/strong> once in safety. The government has responded by stating that cleaning crews and support services are in place, but concerns remain among refugee communities and civil society groups.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Helvilux Media published another article two days ago stating that a lawyer provided to an asylum seeker by the Bar Council of Luxembourg failed to represent the client properly and ethically. As a result, the asylum seeker who was seeking international protection lost their asylum claim and is now facing the threat of deportation and possible expulsion back to their home country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This situation once again highlights serious concerns within Luxembourg\u2019s migration sector, particularly in the asylum system. It suggests that there may be systemic issues that require reform so that Luxembourg can fully uphold the rule of law. Click here to read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interior Minister\u2019s Remarks on Migration, Borders and Ukraine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Just one day before the solidarity protest, Luxembourg\u2019s Interior Minister L\u00e9on Gloden spoke on RTL Radio Luxembourg<\/a> about border controls, security issues and the situation of displaced people linked to the war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minister also commented on refugee protection requests, stating that Luxembourg has seen an increase in protection applications from displaced people since last summer, likely linked to military developments on the battlefield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He highlighted that Luxembourg recently extended temporary protection status for war refugees until 4 March 2027. While reaffirming Luxembourg\u2019s commitment to humanitarian support, he expressed concern that large numbers of working-age refugees leaving their homeland could create long-term reconstruction challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Referring to the broader European context, Gloden mentioned that other countries such as Austria and France are also managing refugee accommodation pressures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho, if not the Ukrainians themselves, can rebuild their country afterward?\u201d<\/strong> Gloden said, reflecting the ongoing European debate about displacement, responsibility and post-war reconstruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following this comment, Inna Yaremenko, Vice President of LUkrain asbl<\/strong>, expressed strong concern about the minister\u2019s interview on RTL L\u00ebtzebuerg \/ RTL Today.<\/p>\n\n\n

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She said, “I am stunned by the latest interview given by the Minister of Home Affairs for RTL L\u00ebtzebuerg<\/a>RTL Today<\/a>. It is very disturbing that such a position is being taken by one of the country’s leaders. <We are massively supporting Ukraine [financially] and yet all the people who should be fighting for Ukraine are leaving for EU member states\u201d.> That claim is misleading. Ukraine has mobilized hundreds of thousands of soldiers, and men of fighting age are largely prohibited from leaving. Most refugees from Ukraine are not people \u201cwho should be fighting\u201d they are mothers, children, and elderly civilians fleeing a war zone. Supporting Ukraine financially while offering refuge to civilians isn\u2019t contradictory; it\u2019s what solidarity looks like during a war.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Today (21 February 2026), Helvilux Media also exposed the inhuman condition in Returning center of luxembourg were undocumented and rejected asylumseekers will arive. Click here to read. This center situation shows what even if as per Minister Gloden if Ukrainians want to return back to there home country is that really posible without suffering? Helvilux asbl co founder Zeinab Tazimi said, The images of returning center clearly shows how basic human rights are not respected in the camp. The Maison de retour is not at all as per International standards.<\/strong> How if ukrainans want to go back to there home country to fight for there own country will not they also have to suffer in this returning camps? Luxembourg asylum policy is outdated need to improve. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Following the publication by Helvilux Media on the conditions at Luxembourg\u2019s \u201cMaison de retour,\u201d the report highlights serious humanitarian concerns regarding the facility operated within Luxembourg\u2019s asylum system. According to Zeinab Tazimi of Helvilux asbl, the returning center does not meet international human rights standards and raises questions about dignity, sanitation and safety for rejected or undocumented asylum seekers. Critics argue that even individuals preparing to return to their home countries should be treated under humane conditions, urging reform of Luxembourg\u2019s asylum infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking Ahead: Hope, Peace and Reconstruction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Four years into a brutal and unresolved conflict, the human cost of the war in Ukraine remains staggering. Families on both sides continue to mourn lost loved ones, rebuild shattered lives, and debate the prospects for lasting peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speakers at the Luxembourg march echoed a shared message of hope and resilience, urging the international community not to forget those still suffering, and reminding the world that every life lost and every family displaced is a reminder of the urgent need for peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event concluded with remarks from Zharov Nicolas, President of LUkrain asbl, who expressed gratitude to everyone supporting Ukraine. He stated, \u201cI would like to thank all those who came today to stand together with Ukraine. Your voices matter, your choices matter our unity matters. We must defend our future now, as tomorrow may be too late. Thank you, Luxembourg, thank you European Union, and thank you to all people around the world who continue supporting Ukraine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Helvilux does not receive any subsidies or financial assistance from the governments of Luxembourg or Switzerland to support its journalism work.<\/strong> HELVILUX<\/a> Media is an independent media outlet run by the non-profit organization Helvilux asbl<\/a> in Luxembourg. To support our work with a donation, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Luxembourg (Helvilux)- Exactly four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the conflict continues to exact a devastating toll on human lives, communities and families \u2014 even as millions of civilians remain displaced and many long to return home. According to multiple independent estimates, the war has resulted in nearly two million military […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1726,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-1716","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-luxembourg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1716"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1716\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helvilux.lu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}