Wagga’s Ukrainian community holding vigil to pray for peace in war zone

The conflict raging between Russia and Ukraine might be almost 13,000km away, but the impact of the violence is being felt right here in Wagga.

The conflict raging between Russia and Ukraine might be almost 13,000km away, but the impact of the violence is being felt right here in Wagga.

Members of a Ukrainian police unit stand guard in Solomonovo village, Ukraine, west of Chop, close to the Hungary-Ukraine borde. Picture: ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP)

The city’s small but vibrant Ukrainian community is coming together tonight with the wider Wagga population for a vigil at Victory Memorial Gardens.

Those attending, including second generation Ukranians who still have family in the Eastern European country, will be praying for peace and unity and an end to the bloodshed.

The Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga is supporting the Ukrainian is helping organise the vigil and is also making preparations should any refugees from the war zone arrive in the city.

Belindia Cran, CEO of the Multicultural Council, said any refugees arriving from Ukraine would be fully supported just like any others.

Wagga mayor Dallas Tout, state MP Dr Joe McGirr and federal MP Michael McCormack will speak at the vigil and are expected to send a unifying message to the community.

The vigil will also have a musical performance of the bandura — a national instrument of Ukraine — by proud Wagga resident Larissa Burak .

Local residents remove debris of a residential building destroyed by shelling, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Zhytomyr

Burak, who is of Ukrainian heritage, has felt helpless as her family have been caught up in the conflict. She told Prime Seven News it was “heartbreaking” and that she was saddened by “the events that have affected my family”.

Wagga’s vigil comes as similar events large and small are held across the globe.

The vigil will be held in the Victory Memorial Gardens at 7pm tonight.