Members of Hawaii Stands with Ukraine deliver message to those on war’s front lines: ‘We care’

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - “Don’t forget us.”

That was the message Sunday for members of Hawaii Stands with Ukraine, who gathered at Ala Moana Beach Park for a livestreamed conversation with a solder fighting on the front lines.

Alex Saint was serving in the U.S. military when Russia invaded Ukraine.

He flew back to his home country in February to help.

“It’s brutal,” said Saint, speaking to about a dozen people through the Instagram livestream.

“it’s devastating and what Russia is doing right now they’re just using missiles to bomb. And shelling the residential areas, the malls, the actual fitness centers.”

Lara Palafox, of Hawaii Stands with Ukraine, said the event was a show of support for Ukraine.

“It is just to let the guys know they’re sacrificing your lives and we do care,” she said. “We want the world to really understand that these guys on the front line are unbelievable heroes.”

Viktoriia Goncharenko, a Ukrainian mom from Kyiv, was among the attendees at the livestream. Her son is fighting in Ukraine.

“He’s at the hottest points, unfortunately, and every time I have no response from him for four or five days,” said Goncharenko. “I believe you can’t imagine; you shouldn’t imagine but it’s very complicated.”

During the livestream, Saint thanked everyone for their support.

“I just want to say guys, please, if you can just don’t forget about us,” said Saint.

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