130 Italian activists visited Odessa as part of a peacekeeping mission
From 25 to 28 August 2026, MEAN — Movimento Europeo di Azione Nonviolenta (European Movement for Non-Violent Action) carried out the ‘Adesso, Odesa’ mission in Ukraine.
A total of 130 Italian activists travelled to Odesa to meet with Ukrainian young people, civil society organisations, religious communities, representatives of local authorities and civil society.
The aim of the mission was not only to express solidarity with Ukraine, but also, through their physical presence, dialogue and human connections, to support Ukrainians and strengthen cooperation between civil society in Ukraine and Europe. The participants met with students, volunteers, representatives of institutions and residents of Odesa, discussing the future of Ukraine and Europe and talking about the role of non-violent action in building peace.
The mission participants described their experience in Odessa as follows: ‘Last night, Odessa came under shelling that lasted several hours. We shared with the city the sound of the air-raid siren, the anticipation, the fear and the uncertainty. That is precisely why we are in Odesa: so as not to leave the civilian population on their own and to support those who have been living through the war and in spite of it for over four years. Even after this morning’s air strike, Odesa carries on. The streets are filling up, people are getting back to their daily lives, and the city is holding firm with great resilience.”
The conclusion of the mission was particularly symbolic. Italian and Ukrainian participants gathered outside the Odessa National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet and sang the Italian song ‘Bella ciao’ together — a song that has become a symbol of resistance and solidarity in both Italy and Ukraine.
Afterwards, the participants made their way to the Potemkin Stairs, singing and holding placards reading ‘Putin go home’. This spontaneous gesture served as a kind of farewell to Odesa and, at the same time, a demonstration of support for the Ukrainian people. This is precisely how the organisers of MEAN see the meaning of non-violent action and international solidarity.
