Representatives of the Italian movement MEAN (European Movement of Non-Violent Actions) understand the importance of Ukrainian society and its leading role in resisting Russian aggression at various levels. They presented their ideas on how to explain to Europeans, in particular Italians, what Ukrainians are guided by in the fight against the occupiers. Unfortunately, there are still people in the West who fall under the influence of Russian propaganda and do not understand the invasive and genocidal nature of this war.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze thanked MEAN activists for helping Ukraine and Ukrainians. She noted that the Ukrainian people are the force that keeps their country moving in the darkest times: ‘The spirit of Ukrainians, their incredible ability in crisis situations to immediately mobilise and build horizontal ties, to provide support to each other — this is what gave Ukraine the ability to resist and fight against the occupiers.’

The Chair of the Committee noted that Ukraine today is a political nation that is united, despite differences in ethnic, religion etc. ‘During the Revolution of Dignity, all religions and churches in Ukraine were represented on the Maidan. All but one — the Moscow Orthodox Church, which is a proxy of the Russian KGB. The same unity exists now in Ukraine. I wish the world would know better about us, Ukrainians,’ said Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze.

She also urged Italian activists to spread the truth about the war in Ukraine, because Russian propaganda is still extremely powerful in the free world. ‘By blowing up the dam in Kakhovka, the Russians once again showed that they are capable of the greatest evil. And I was very upset as saw and read how well-known Western media commented on this man-made biggest disaster in decades. They asked the question — who committed this crime, when it is absolutely clear that explosion was organised and carried out by the Russians. Therefore, we need to work on overcoming pro-Russian narratives. Despite the fatigue, despite the exhaustion, we must continue our work,’ concluded the Chair of the Committee.