Towards Europe: Meeting of the Ukrainian Community in Wrocław with Veteran Andrii Madzharov

September was marked by an important event for the Ukrainian community of the Polish city of Wrocław – a meeting with Andrii Madzharov, defender of Ukraine, veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, and native of the city of Berdiansk, which was attended by Tetiana Burlei, a third-year full-time student of the Faculty of Preschool, Special and Social Education.

Andrii Madzharov is undertaking an initiative – a walking journey of about 1,500 km, starting from the Shehyni border crossing on the Ukrainian-Polish frontier and continuing all the way to the city of Brussels, Belgium. This initiative is not only about physical endurance but also about a spiritual mission: drawing the attention of the European community to the reality of the Russian-Ukrainian war, highlighting not just official reports and figures, but also the personal stories of those affected. Stories of people who have lost their way of life, their homes, loved ones, and family. Living testimonies of tragedy, and at the same time – examples of the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people, which must be heard by the world.

Every step Andrii takes is a reminder that the war continues; Ukraine is fighting not only for its own freedom but also for the values of the entire democratic world. Each step is a call: do not forget, do not turn away, do not grow accustomed to loss. Seek solutions, support Ukraine, because true strength is measured not by weapons, but by compassion, solidarity, and unity.

The meeting was attended by Ukrainians who found refuge in Wrocław after the start of the full-scale invasion, students, representatives of volunteer organizations, and local residents. Andrii shared the challenges he faces on his journey: physical exhaustion, difficult weather conditions, limited infrastructure along the route, the need for overnight stays, permits, and crossing different territories. He admitted that when he set out, he did not expect the overwhelming support he is now receiving. Help comes from many sources: veteran organizations, volunteers, benefactors, and local communities. Especially important, the veteran emphasized, is spreading information about his journey. The more people learn about it, the greater the chance of gaining support – first and foremost moral and ideological: in the form of concern, solidarity, and willingness to spread the truth about Ukraine.

The atmosphere of the event was warm and sincere. Participants asked numerous questions – from everyday details of his journey (where he sleeps, what he eats along the way) to how residents of European cities welcome and perceive him. There were also songs: Ukrainian youth, together with older members of the community, performed familiar melodies, creating a sense of true unity. After the conversation, everyone who wished could take photos with the veteran, preserving this moment as a symbol of pride, support, and shared memory.

For many present, this meeting became a source of inspiration, as Andrii is an example of a person – a Ukrainian – who wholeheartedly believes in his mission and puts it into action every day. For students, he is a model of courage and responsibility. For Ukrainian refugees, a reminder that their voices matter and have significance. For local residents, an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the events unfolding in Ukraine – not only through news reports but through the personal stories of real people.

The path of Andrii Madzharov is a symbol of struggle and hope, a message to Europe in the voice of the entire Ukrainian people. It is a bridge between Ukraine and the world, one that does not allow us to forget about the war and about those who pay the highest price for freedom every single day.

Andrii’s social media: @Andrii Madzharov, https://www.facebook.com/share/1CCV5mqshf/ — follow and share!

By Tetiana Burlei,
3rd-year student, Faculty of Preschool, Special and Social Education