Horodetskyy: ‘Apathy’ kills as much as Russian propaganda

The Ukrainian community in Italy rallied in Bologna on Feb. 2 to protest the use of Russian propaganda. Around 500 people assembled there, including delegations from Rome, Viterbo, Piacenza, Milan, Turin, the Marche region, Ravenna, Verona, and Modena, according to Oles Horodetskyy, leader of the Christian Association of Ukrainians in Italy.

Some 70 protesters from Rome made the five-hour train ride to the northern Italian city and community leader Oles Horodetskyy said he was disappointed with the low turnout, having expected more as the Russo-Ukrainian war approaches its fourth year this month. 

Russia’s vast propaganda toolbox has been gaining momentum in Italy, Horodetskyy said, making it even more crucial for the community to stand together and counter the Kremlin’s influence.  

“Overall, there were just over 500 people at the rally. Is that a lot or a little? Clearly, it’s not enough. And I don’t understand why! How can anyone, during such a horrific war, not take part in defending their homeland – even just by showing up to a rally?” he openly complained.  

He stressed that “apathy kills, just like the enemy’s propaganda.”  

“Everyone who attended shared the same goal: the swift withdrawal of Kremlin occupation forces from Ukraine and the restoration of peace,” Horodetskyy said.  

Italy’s public broadcaster, RAI, was among the Italian media outlets that covered the event. 

“The [Ukrainian] national anthem was sung, and there were many thoughtful and powerful speeches – from Senator Marco Lombardo and a greeting from Ukraine’s Ambassador to Italy, Yaroslav Melnyk, to remarks by ordinary Ukrainians, Italians, and Georgians,” Horodetskyy said.  

He also expressed gratitude to the Italian party Azione and its leader, Carlo Calenda, for helping arrange transportation for Ukrainian community members from Rome and Viterbo to attend the rally in Bologna.  

“Thank you to everyone who made the time and effort to join this protest against Kremlin propaganda. Glory to Ukraine!” he said.