Local Supporters Continue Efforts For Civilians Caught In Ukraine
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The ceasefire between the Ukrainian government and Russian-backed separatists is short lived.
Marcus Washington explains artillery fire rang out near a major port city on the southern coast, ending the agreement that was never truly stable.
While the conflict is happening thousands of miles away, the local effect and support is stronger than ever before from Ukrainian-Americans.
The aftermath of what was set to be the beginning of peace. Late Saturday, there was shelling on the outskirts of the southeastern port of Mariupol, hitting two homes and sparking the Ukrainian troops to retaliate.
Signed on Friday, the truce between the Ukrainian government and Russian-backed separatists seemed to hold peace between the two parties, although there are reports of violations from both sides.
"Without the support of Congress, without the support of our senators, without pressure on the White House, aid to Ukraine will be absolutely insufficient," said Andrij Chornodolsky, Ukrainian-American.
The conflict going on in Ukraine is being felt thousands of miles away in Baltimore. During the 39th annual Ukrainian Festival in Patterson Park, supporters said they will continue their efforts for civilians caught in the middle of the chaos.
"We have a fund for medical assistance of the casualties. We have had over 1,000 people that have died and hundreds of thousands that have been both displaced and injured," Chornodolsky said.
In the middle of this celebration, there is prayer for an equal sense of security for their brothers and sisters involved in the conflict.
"To ask for nothing more than the opportunity to live free in a democratic and independent Ukraine," said Chornodolsky.
The Ukrainian president is expected to visit the White House next week.
The presidents of Ukraine and Russia have been quoted as saying they assessed the ceasefire fulfilled as a whole.
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