A solidarity march for Ukraine is being held Tirana

Among others here are the US Ambassador Yuri Kim and Tirana Majo r Erjon Veliaj and Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Shkurovin a solidarity march in Tirana

"Ambassador Yuri Kim, along with Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Shkurov, and other ambassadors attended the “Solidarity with Ukraine” march in Tirana today to show support for Ukraine. Ambassador Kim noted that the United States, Europe, NATO, and the rest of the world are more united than ever in the face of Russia’s aggression. She added that the people of Ukraine have shown the world remarkable strength and courage. She also thanked the Albanian people for continuing to shelter those in need, including Ukrainians, and praised Albania’s leadership at the United Nations Security Council to condemn Russia and support Ukraine." U.S. Embassy in Tirana writes.

Dozens of citizens joined a solidarity march for Ukraine in downtown Tirana on Friday, to express outrage at the crimes of Russian aggression documented in recent days in several Ukrainian cities.

The marchers, led by the mayor of Tirana, Erion Velijaj, and the ambassador of Ukraine in Tirana, were joined by the American ambassador to Albania, Yuri Kim, and several other ambassadors of European countries, who expressed their support by waving the Ukrainian flag. Participants in the march were also members of the Albanian Parliament and ordinary citizens, who marched to the Russian Embassy in Tirana.

Since the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine on February 24, Albania has sided with the European
Union and NATO member states in undertaking a series of actions to punish Russia, including economic sanctions. Internally, the Albanian authorities have tried to manage the rising cost of electricity and the basket of essential products by taking measures to help businesses and vulnerable segments of society.

Prices that have marked record increases since last year in Albania have sparked frequent protests in the country with protesters accusing the Government of unaffordable life.ë

Despite a significant poverty rate - about a third of the population is estimated to live on less than $ 5 a day - has experienced a 4.5 percent contraction in economic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and as if the entire Western Balkans are still facing problems of economic recovery.