Colombians & Expats Rally In Medellín To Show Solidarity With Ukraine

Last Sunday, Colombians, members of Medellín’s Ukrainian community, visitors and other expatriates gathered on the rooftop of Medellín’s new Marquée Hotel facing Parque Lleras to unfurl banners in the colors of both the Colombian and Ukrainian flags in support of the Ukraine, after the country was invaded by the Russian military last week.

“My ancestors left Ukraine more than 100 years ago for various reasons and now my wife’s family and our friends are faced with difficult decisions in 2022. Supporting them from abroad with our Colombian and foreign friends in Medellín was the least we could do,” said Brad Hinkelman, CEO of Colombian real estate firm Casacól and rally organizer. Hinkelman added that almost all of Medellín’s small Ukrainian population, estimated at 10-15 people, attended.

“It was only 2 weeks ago that 40 million Ukrainians doubted their security could ever be at risk of full-scale war. Nobody anywhere in the world should be so naive about democracy, freedom and security, Colombia included.”