Naples group holds event to continue awareness about the war in Ukraine

A local group is doing everything they can to keep people’s eyes on what’s going on in Ukraine. United Ukrainian Volunteers held a rally in Naples on Sunday, recognizing Russia’s war crimes against the Ukrainian people.

“Today is international day of the protest against Russia,” said Iryna Danyleyko.

United Ukrainian Volunteers is a new organization based in Naples that was started as soon as the war in Ukraine began.

The group held a car rally Sunday in support of Ukrainians fighting off Russian attacks.

“My family’s there, everyone that I ever loved, until I moved to America. My mom, my dad, everyone’s there, all of us have ties with Ukraine, this matters so much because all of them are targets,” said Julia Gray.

Many of those rallying on Sunday are living with the uncertainty of what’s next for family members still living there.

“It is really scary every day to pick up my phone and find out some bad news. It’s just so bad. So, what we’re doing today is very important for all of us. This is our way to put our anger at work,” said Gray.

Gray feels protesting is one of the only ways to show her people support from half a world away. Danyleyko agrees.

“If we see ignorance around the world, and if we see not enough attention, this is going in a big, big, big international conflict. So, to avoid the third world war, we need to stop oppression in Ukraine,” said Danyleyko.

The United Ukrainian Volunteers collects and sends donations to people in Ukraine with the help of other local organizations.

“Doesn’t matter how much, it matters the open heart and willing and pray. That’s it,” said Danyleyko.

The group drove around Naples and then held a demonstration in downtown Naples.

If you’d like to help provide support to Ukraine or learn more about the United Ukrainian Volunteers group, you can visit their Facebook page by clicking here.