Today marks three years since the Russian federation began it's unprovoked attack on the nation of Ukraine, and Mark Yurkiw is again responding.

Above, volunteers load a container with supplies and equipment bound for Ukraine this weekend. Contributed photos.

Today marks three years since the Russian federation began it's unprovoked attack on the nation of Ukraine, and Mark Yurkiw is again responding.

Mark Yurkiw is an artist living in Westport and the son of Ukrainian parents who came to the US in 1949. When the war began, Mark, whose first language is Ukrainian, immediately began efforts to help the country as it struggled to defend itself against a brutal invasion by Russia, working with two non-profits, Ukraine Aid International and Ridgefield Responds.

For 3 years he has made this his mission, gathering donations, organizing volunteers and he has made several trips to Ukraine to see first-hand the needs of this nation as it fights for it's very survival against a brutal dictator. He, along with other volunteers have sent multiple containers of the things needed to support Ukraine from medical supplies and equipment to humanitarian items for the people who in some cases have lost everything as Russia bombs homes, apartment buildings, schools and civilian targets.

He has helped with efforts by Westporters to support her Ukrainian sister city, Lyman

Mark is still working hard to Ukraine and this weekend Mark and his volunteer friends have been hard at work once again.