Ukrainians in Bologna rally in support of Ukraine

Hundreds of people joined a solidarity rally with Ukraine in the heart of the northern Italian city of Bologna to remind the world that the Russo-Ukrainian war is now in its fourth year. 

Around 300 participants, Ukrainians, Italians, and members of civic groups and political parties, marched from Piazza dell’Unità to Montagnola Park under Ukraine’s national blue- and- yellow flags. They carried signs calling to stop Russian aggression and propaganda.

“They are killing us — our language, our culture, our future. Without Europe, we cannot win this war,” said rally participant Iryna Tarnovetska.

The demonstration ended with the singing of “Oi u luzi chervona kalyna Oh, (in the meadow there is a red viburnum),” a patriotic song of Ukrainian resistance from the World War I era. The atmosphere was deeply emotional: some people cried, others held the flag close to their hearts, as if trying to warm it with their love for their homeland.

The event was organized by members of the Ukrainian association “NaRyna APS”, with the support of “NAU — the Network of Associations for Ukraine”.

“We proudly joined the demonstration for Ukraine in Bologna, together with our friends and supporters of freedom. As long as Ukraine is fighting, none of us can remain silent,” NAU representatives said.