Appreciate Peace, Freedom In Everyday Life -- Ukraine Ambassador

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- As the war in Ukraine heads towards its 100th day, Ukraine’s ambassador to Malaysia Olexander Nechytaylo said Malaysians should reflect on how important it is to appreciate the peace and freedom that they enjoy in their everyday life. He said three months ago, millions of Ukrainians woke up to a nerve-racking air raid siren and the terrifying sound of explosions at their homes, and the rest of the world woke up to a different reality. “Don't take it (peace and freedom) for granted because one day it may just go away,” he told Bernama when met at the charity screening of Ukrainian award-winning film “The Rising Hawk” here on Friday night. Aimed at raising awareness about the war in Ukraine as well as collecting donations for humanitarian relief efforts, the event was attended by diplomats from European Union, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. Also present was Vice President III of Mercy Malaysia Assoc Prof Dr Shalimar Abdullah. Elaborating further, Nechytaylo said the historical movie tells of a story that happened in Ukraine centuries ago of a small village fighting for freedom in the frontier landscape of the Carpathian Mountains against invaders. He said the movie also reflects on what is happening in the country today as Ukrainians struggle for freedom and independence. “These three months of war have become a story of heroism and stoicism for Ukrainian people,” he said. Nechytaylo noted that 8.3 million Ukrainians were internally displaced while 6.5 million others have fled the country to seek refuge overseas since the war began on Feb 24. -- BERNAMA