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Olga says Guernsey's support gives her "the power to carry on"

Olga says Guernsey's support gives her

Tuesday 01 March 2022

Olga says Guernsey's support gives her "the power to carry on"

Tuesday 01 March 2022


A Ukrainian woman living locally says that people in Guernsey have given her the strength to continue while her family in Kyiv are under attack.

"Russia expected this war to be quick, but we are still standing, and this time we are not standing alone," said Olga Turkoglu.

"Thursday was not the first day of the war. This war is already eight years old. Thursday was the first day when the masks were finally off and the war became too obvious to ignore."

Olga says that support from islanders is invaluable.

"People in Guernsey are surprising me every day. The candlelit vigil on Saturday and the service in the Town Church on Sunday have given me the power to carry on.

"When I heard the Ukrainian anthem in the Town Church, I couldn't hold back my tears and the lady behind me put her hand on my shoulder.

"It was the support I needed at that moment and I am very grateful for that. Please do not be afraid to show sympathy and support."

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Pictured: A candlelit vigil held in Guernsey on Saturday to show solidarity with Ukrainians. 

Olga lived in Ukraine until she was 23. Her mother and aunt still live in Kyiv, at the centre of attacks from Russia, and the rest of her family lives in the Zhytomyr district.

"I want the world to know that Ukraine is a peaceful nation. We never wanted war.

"We want to live on our land, to plan for the future, to enjoy the little things and to dream about something big.

"Now, the big dream for me and for millions of other Ukrainians is to see my family and friends again."

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Pictured: Russia's President, Vladimir Putin.

Olga thinks the invasion of Ukraine will have far-reaching consequences. 

"Putin thinks he is invincible. He has started wars in Georgia, Ukraine and Syria and he started the invasion in Ukraine with no remorse.

"If anyone is having doubts about helping Ukraine, please understand that Putin is not only a threat to Ukraine. If Ukraine falls, do you think he will stop?

"Turkish army officer Mustafa Kemal Atatürk once said that unless a nation's life faces peril, war is murder.

"To Putin I would say: You are a murderer. I hope you get what you deserve soon."

Olga wants Ukrainians to remain resilient and hopeful. 

"Ukraine will stand because of you and may Heavenly Hundred Heroes protect you."

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Pictured: Olga Turkoglu and her son, Aslan, in traditional Ukrainian clothes on Ukraine Independence Day in 2021.

"It is always darkest before the dawn. Слава Україні! Героям Слава! (Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Heroes!)."

The Order of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes is an order of Ukraine presented for civil courage, patriotism and the defence of the constitutional principles of democracy, human rights and freedom.

The invasion of Ukraine has attracted courageous opposition by many Russian civilians with thousands arrested in anti-war protests. 

It has been widely condemned by the international community. People across the world have held protests, vigils and spoken out against the war. Many countries have imposed heavy sanctions on Russia in a bid to support Ukraine. 

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Pictured: Anti-war protests in support of Ukraine have taken place all over the world.

Olga said that charities in Ukraine need support. 

"There a lot of registered charities in Ukraine who now need financial help to be able to help others.

"They range from support to our army to medical volunteers, to our children and our elderly people, for animals and the environment.

"Aside from the war-related support which is a priority, now more than ever we need to get help for people and children with medical conditions as their chance to get relevant medicine is very limited.

"The majority of these charities are continuing to operate despite the war conditions and are doing the best they can, but their donations are getting low.

"I would encourage anyone in Guernsey to choose a charity which speaks to them and to make a donation to make a difference."

READ MORE...

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