Vilna Ukrayina volunteer defense unit mobilized to defend Kyiv

On Thursday, a gathering of fighters from the Vilna Ukrayina (Free Ukraine) volunteer unit of Kyiv's territorial community took place in Kyiv, the anti-surrender resistance movement has said.

"The volunteer formation Vilna Ukrayina operates on the basis of the law On National Resistance was created by order of the territorial defense commander and is an integral part of the Territorial Defense Forces," the message posted on the movement's Facebook page says.

Andriy Levus, the coordinator of Vilna Ukrayina, said: "The enemy in our Kyiv wants to attack St. Sophia Cathedral and Independence Square (Maidan), which has been watered with the blood of Ukrainian heroes. We must mobilize, turn Kyiv into a fortress. In each district, formations, volunteer detachments are being created, acting in accordance with the laws of Ukraine and coordinating with the Territorial Defense and the military administration of the city of Kyiv. It's our time, citizens, to unite."

Colonel Zakhar, in an address to the volunteers, explained that the unit "has started to carry out the main task - to eliminate the enemy."

Volunteers of the Vilna Ukrayina swore an oath to the Ukrainian people to defend Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to provide security for Ukrainian citizens.