Ukrainians in community moved by local support
A CANDLELIT vigil on Saturday night saw a large crowd of islanders standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Russian troops started to invade Ukraine capital Kyiv this weekend, and islanders with Ukrainian ties feared for family members.
‘I am from Ukraine and we are gathered here to say our word that we are against war and want this horrible thing to be ended,’ said Mariya Pustovalova.
‘My parents are hiding underground.’
She said she was surprised with the number of people who took the candlelit walk form Town Church to the Liberation Monument.
‘We thought it would only be the Russian and Ukrainian community.’
Oksana Stefak also has family in Ukraine.
‘I think it is important to show unity not only with Ukrainian people but all the people in the world who want to have freedom,’ she said.
‘In Russia there are many people who would disagree, but the regime of Putin is not a regime of freedom and people are afraid to say what they think.’
People were suffering, she said, and hoped the world would help her country.
‘Younger people protested in Russia and the police were sent to beat them and send them to prison so other people are afraid – they don’t have a free country,’ she added.
‘The whole world needs to help Ukrainian people. He is not going to stop at Ukraine.’
Elena Fedorenko said: ‘It’s my family and parents in Ukraine and the city has been attacked where they live. ‘I hope someone will help and stop this.’
Vigil organiser Serena Child, who works as an art technician in education, attended vigils after the terrorist attacks in Paris as a student. She said people may feel helpless but showing their support was something they could do.
‘I wanted to give the community a chance to gather and show our support for the people of Ukraine, and show locally we do support our local Ukrainians and give them a chance to be seen and heard,’ she said.
‘The support on Facebook has been absolutely lovely.’
Organising a vigil is not something she had done before, she said, but she was grateful for the support of an estimated 200.
‘I just want to put my thanks out to everyone who came and for everyone there in spirit,’ she said.
Vigil shows solidarity, page 2
Service of prayer
for peace, page 3
