Vancouver, BC – July 17, 2014
Following the horrific crash of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, the Ukrainian community in Vancouver wishes to express its sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of this senseless tragedy.
“My parents left Luhansk a week ago because it was far too dangerous for them to stay” says Yana, a Vancouver resident whose family is from Luhansk. “It’s horrible to see tanks and armed soldiers in your street and be forced to hide in the cellar because you might get shot. My grandparents left the city as well. Just left everything they had there. I really worry for them and anyone who lives in fear every day.”
Yana continues: “The ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been largely ignored by the international community. Politicians think of politics first, not the innocent people caught in the middle. I feel deeply saddened this happened on Ukrainian soil and can only hope it will finally send a clear message to pro-Russian separatists that their actions harm not only their civilian neighbours in Ukraine, but in fact the whole world.”
The Vancouver Ukrainian community continues to pray for peace in Eastern Ukraine as it sends the deepest sympathies to the families of the passengers and crew, whose loss is being mourned all over the world.
Yana can be contacted for interview on 778 317 3263.
A small commemoration gathering will be held by the Ukrainian community outside the Consulate General of the Netherlands at 8pm tonight in memory of the lives lost. Contact Iryna Shyroka on 778 317 3263 for interview or more information about the event
Editorial Update (18.07.2014): CBC video report from the meeting is available here http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/BC/ID/2474758490/ – at 6:45 min
Comments