Community urged to support vigil hosted by local Ukrainians

UKRAINIAN families who are living locally are set to hold a vigil this Saturday in Omagh town centre to highlight the plight of their loved ones after two years of war.

Supported by local Omagh community refugee support project, ERANO, the vigil has been organised by women who have had to leave their loved ones behind in Ukraine.

The vigil will take place from 12-to-1pm outside Danske Bank, and anyone who wishes to show their support is welcome.

As war continues to rage in Ukraine, many natives who were forced to leave their homes and relocate to different countries are watching from afar, wondering when – or if – they can return home again.

Speaking with the UH this week, Natalia Kucherenko, who fled Ukraine in 2022 and is now living in Omagh said, “It was our idea to hold the vigil.

“We want to do anything to draw attention to the fact that the war is ongoing and hasn’t stopped.

“We are feeling helpless so far from our country .We need to do something to draw attention to the ongoing war which has destroyed all our lives.

“I understand people have war fatigue, but it is very important that everyone gets behind Ukraine and helps our army fight this crazy Putin. Our Ukrainian army is holding back the war from spreading across Europe, but they cannot do this without military weapons and support. We beg people to not ignore us, because the war is not just about Ukraine: It has the potential to create big problems for everyone, and we must win.”

Commenting on the vigil, Mary Lafferty from ERANO said, “This Saturday, we will stand in support of our friends in Ukraine through this vigil and take time to remember that a horrendous conflict remains ongoing in the country.

“The plight of our refugees remains immense, and it is important that we, as a community, continue to welcome and do everything we can to support refugees coming to Northern Ireland.

“The vigil reminds us that there remains an atrocious war ongoing in Ukraine, and families continue to suffer.”