Two Ukrainian soldiers who received supplies from Kelowna were killed

Two Ukrainian soldiers who received supplies from Kelowna have died.

Local volunteer Danylo Sora made the announcement early this morning, March 31, on the Facebook group Kelowna Stands With Ukraine.

Photos shared with the statement show a camouflage pickup truck with at least two bullet holes and a box of supplies on the hood. Among the supplies photographed are boots and a drone, and the “Kelowna Stands With Ukraine” label clearly stands out.

As defenders who were part of the unit receiving supplies from Kelowna, their loss is even more devastating for Sora, who is also Ukrainian.

Sora said he doesn’t know the circumstances around the deaths, but even if he did, he probably wouldn’t be able to share.

“It’s war, not all info can be provided."

He wants people in the Okanagan and Kamloops to realize how serious and close to home Russia’s invasion of Ukraine really is.

READ MORE: Kelowna man heading to Ukraine to provide support

Dennis Storozhuk is also from Ukraine and also volunteers with Kelowna Stands With Ukraine. He said strong support was coming in a month ago when the war first began but has since dried up.

He reminds Canadians that they share a “huge” border with Russia in the arctic.

Storozhuk said he was willing to travel to Ukraine to fight but was told his efforts would be more valuable from Canada.

There are two opportunities for the public to support Kelowna Stands With Ukraine this weekend. On April 2 there will be a “mega” spring yard sale fundraiser outside of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at 1935 Barlee Road in Kelowna. It runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Money raised will allow more Canadian body armour, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to get shipped to the people defending Ukraine.

And on April 3 there will be a rally in West Kelowna at the intersection of Brown Road & Highway 97 form 2 to 3 p.m.

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