A vigil marking the third anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine was held at Market Square in Belleville on Monday.
The community held candles while speakers played sounds of the war in Ukraine.
Myraslova Symonenko of Humanity for Free Ukraine spoke to people gathered at the vigil of stories of her recent visit to Ukraine.
Speaking with media, Symonenko says the war is only getting worse.
“As much as I want to be optimistic, I don’t know now at this point when this war will stop and how it will end,” Symonenko tells media.
“So that’s why I think it’s even more important that we gather like this. So this year, it was the very last minute, you know, we were just like, okay, let’s still gather.”
Among those in attendance for the vigil were Belleville councillor Chris Malette and Liberal candidate for the Bay of Quinte riding in the provincial election, David O’Neill.
The group was also accepting donations.
Symonenko explained where the money would be going.
“We recently received a request for a surveillance system for bigger equipment, so that you can install it on a large piece of machinery and that will help them track what’s happening, kind of in the vicinity and in the sky.”
“So hopefully that will be helpful to track some things that shouldn’t be where they should be.”
The donation goal is $6,500.
Those looking to donate can head to Humanity for Free Ukraine’s website.
