‘I Am Grateful That You Are Helping Ukraine Fight the Enemy' - Serhii Morhunov During a Meeting with Italian Volunteers Serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The mayor told the foreigners about Vinnytsia and how the city lives during the war.

'Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, our community has been actively supporting the Defence Forces. In total, we are helping 63 different units and brigades, most of which are those where Vinnytsia residents serve. Several times a week, we deliver various equipment to our military, including FPV drones. I admire your position and am grateful that you are helping Ukraine fight the enemy. If for Ukrainians it is a duty, for you, foreigners, it is solely your will, which is very honourable for us. On behalf of the territorial community, we thank you for your courage and heroism. You are a good example of how to fight tyranny,‘ said Serhii Morhunov.

The soldier with the call sign Polo is from northern Italy and was previously a civilian. He is currently serving in the infantry.

'I have been in Ukraine for one year and six months. For three months I served in the International Legion. Six and a half months in the 16th Battalion of the 60th Brigade. The purpose of our visit is to tell Europe and Ukraine that Europeans are here, they are defending this country with their bodies, minds and blood. We consider Ukraine a European country. There are many people from all over the world serving at the front, spreading the values of Europe, solidarity, human rights and defending the border between democratic values and dictatorship,’ says Polo.

His brother in arms, Yuri Previtali, came to Ukraine in 2023. He has been serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for two years.

'I am originally from Bergamo, and in civilian life I worked as a driver. I came to Ukraine to help defend this country. I served in the Carpathian Sich 49th Battalion, in honour of which I even have a tattoo on my arm - a trident with a sword. It was a very difficult experience for me, which became an important part of my life. I was also in the International Region, the 60th Brigade. When I came to Ukraine, I knew nothing about weapons or military service. I spent seven days at a training ground near the front line. Later I joined the infantry and took part in combat operations. My home now is Ukraine. My contract has recently ended, so I want to rest for a while. But the war is on, it's my war, I lost a lot of my brothers here. I constantly think about Ukrainians and want to help them,’ says Yuri Previtali.

The Italians are collecting signatures and wishes from the mayors of Ukrainian cities for the soldiers on the brigade's battle flag. ‘There is strength in unity,’ the mayor of Vinnytsia, Serhii Morhunov, wrote.