Place Saint-Nicolas, Sunday morning. Between the stalls and the kids running, a compact crowd, gathered this Sunday in support of the Ukrainian people. Among them, a dozen nationals, blue and yellow flag tight on the shoulders.
Relatives who remained in Ukraine
When she talks about her native country, Elena has tears in her eyes. “We need a lot of support and a lot stronger, but any sign is very important for the Ukrainian people who are neglected.“His family and friends are still there.”_no one is safe_I take news every 15 minutes“
In the crowd, a woman takes off her sunglasses. Behind, her eyes are filled with tears. She explains that her son returned to Ukraine to fight against the Russians. Since then, she has no news from him.
“It’s on our conscience”
Mariya also knows this constant worry. His whole family is there: “My life has stopped. I really want us to help them as much as possible, she explains, determined. It’s on our conscience“And she insists”My moods, who cares. It’s their life that is complicated and I want to give my strength, my time, it’s the only thing I can do. I can’t go on the spot, I can’t magically extract them“.
In Corsica for several years, she has been affected by the mobilizations in favor of her country: “I had a reaction from my father who reads my publications on the networks. He tells me that it warms his heart very much to think that we are not alone“.
– Mathilde Ansquer
A little further in the crowd, Valentina, a Ukrainian, also expresses her emotion: “I know many Corsicans who have offered financial assistance who are ready to welcome Ukrainians, it touches me deeply.“
Fifty people gathered
In the crowd, some are there family. “I came with my husband and my two children, explains a Bastiaise. We tried to explain to the little girl what war was, with appropriate words. And it’s important to show them from an early age that you have to mobilize, that’s what being a citizen is all about.”