WATCH Ukrainians in Limerick show solidarity as President addresses Oireachtas

Limerick Ukraine solidarity – The peaceful show of Limerick Ukraine solidarity took place at Bedford Row included some recently-arrived refugees including women and children calling for an end to Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick

Members of the Ukrainian community in Limerick gathered in Limerick city centre as the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, addressed a joint meeting of the Oireachtas

Members of the Ukrainian community in Limerick gathered in Limerick city centre as the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, addressed a joint meeting of the Oireachtas. Local community activists including Linda Ledger, Manager of St Munchins Community Centre and Cllr Sarah Kiely were also in attendance to show their Limerick Ukraine solidarity.

The peaceful show of Limerick Ukraine solidarity took place at Bedford Row included some recently-arrived refugees including women and children calling for an end to Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.

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The group watched President’s Zelensky’s speech at the nearby Supermac’s restaurant on TV’s on the second floor of the restaurant.

TDs, Senators and 45 foreign diplomats gathered in the Dáil chamber to hear the historic address by Mr Zelensky.

“From the very first days, you have been supporting Ukraine and this is a fact,” Mr Zelensky said.

“You did not doubt starting helping us, you began doing this right away and although you are a neutral country, you have not remained neutral to the disaster and to the mishaps that Russia has brought to Ukraine.”

He said he was grateful to every citizen of Ireland and for the country’s support of sanctions against Russia.

Iurii Ivanov, originally from Russia and living in Limerick for almost 6 years said, “Many Russians stand with Ukraine and condemn this war. Being Russian I understand how painful oil and gas embargoes will be for Russia but this is the price we have to pay to stop the murder of innocent people in Ukraine and it’s our moral obligation to do so.”

Daria Virovkina, a mother from the Ukraine said, “I don’t have enough words to describe how I am feeling. I am not political but feel the need to speak out as I left my family, my home, my life in Ukraine. It’s so hard to sleep when bombs are falling every night. To see pictures and videos of children suffering breaks my heart. People should not die, especially kids. I am also in shock of the Russian soldiers, who like animals, are raping women. This is insane and the worst side of war.”

I Love Limerick stands with Ukraine and our thoughts and prayers are with their people. 

To donate to St Munchins Community Centre Ukraine Evacuation Hub go HERE 

For more stories on Ukraine go HERE

Pictures: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick