Local Ukrainian man raises supplies for war effort
HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- As people across the world are rallying in support of Ukraine, residents in the Twin Tiers have continued to generate supplies for those who need them overseas. Yuriy Melendevych, a Ukrainian citizen now living in Horseheads, is one of these people.
“I speak with friends and family (in Ukraine), I've heard lots of bad horror stories, which is extremely sad that this is going on in the 21st century,” Melendevych said, adding, “My grandmother said that she survived Hitler, and she's been through this, and she says Hitler was a lot better than Putin.”
This is the reality on the ground as Ukrainians are still fighting for their freedom every day.
Melendevych is shipping supplies to his uncles, aunts, grandmother, and others in Ukraine. He has helped coordinate local supply drives, including a donation of expired bulletproof vests donated by the Elmira Police Department.
“We spoke with Elmira Police department and ended up getting 40 to 45 (vests). Gas masks, helmets, we've also been running humanitarian supplies, lots of meds, diapers, blankets, anything they need for a war zone.” Melendevych said.
Melendevych says the continued support of Ukrainians is crucial. In 1994, Ukraine turned over the world's third-largest nuclear arsenal in what's known as the Budapest Memorandum in exchange for security assurances with the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Russia.
He worries that if support from countries like the United States dwindles, Ukraine is further at risk of Russian control.
“We gave up the 3rd biggest nuclear arsenal in the world, so now, it's kind of time to pay up," Melendevych said. "Not only that, Ukraine wants to be democratic, so if you believe in freedom and democracy, then you need to support that.”
Yuriy also says you can contact him directly at 607-426-9306 or the Bethel Fellowship Church at 607-535-4492 with donations that might help those in Ukraine.

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