Chevening Alumnus from Ukraine, Andrii Shuran, and Guatemalan Alumni Association attended the virtual discussion. Nick Whittingham, British Ambassador in Guatemala, opened the event.
The Ambassador shared the Prime Minister’s words on the war, saying it is a war of choice from the Russian Government against a completely innocent country.
Nick Whittingham, British Ambassador in Guatemala, said:
I am shocked of seeing what is happening in Europe. This is an international response, both from sanctions to Russia and strengthening on providing weapons to Ukraine. Putin cannot win this war.
Andrii Shuran started describing the historic perspective of the war and the longstanding tensions and threats the Ukrainian nation has suffered. The Ukrainian alumnus also shared the appalling consequences of the war. Students themselves suffered from displacement, destructions of their homes and deaths of friends and family. The war has not only affected them physically but also destroyed their hopes for a better future.
Nevertheless, they have found the support of the Chevening Alumni, a worldwide network that has provided moral support, logistical contacts and helpful advice to people in distress during these difficult times.
Shuran said:
People are gathering money, supporting each other. Many people stood in Ukraine and we do what we can to defend our country. We do not say ‘when the war ends… We say when we win’.
Ukrainian students call on their friends in Guatemala and around the world to keep pushing Russia politically and economically to end this senseless war, and those responsible, to be held to account.
Guatemalan participants in the discussion asked some questions regarding the future of this conflict and appreciated the position of the British Government on defending Ukraine and taking actions for weakening the Russian government to stop the war.
Diana Recinos, a Ukraine-born Guatemalan shared her experience and motivation on participating in Guate X Ucrania initiative. The event collected donations for the orphanages in which she and other 21 children were born and later adopted by Guatemalan families.
Diana said:
We did this because we and our families do not believe in war. War brings only sadness and death. I want to say to Ukrainian youth that you are not alone, we are giving our support and help.
Finally, Ambassador Nick Whittingham added that Putin has lost this war already. He explained that Finland and Sweden are heading to join NATO, Russia’s economy has been damaged and the international system has been impressive in responding to the war. He stressed that the UK will continue to support Ukraine in suppling weapons and sanctioning Russia.
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