Calenda announces a hunger strike in support of Ukraine: “Let’s see how many join in”

“From now until midnight, I am joining the hunger strike organised by Pina Picierno to draw international attention to what is happening in Oleshky, a Ukrainian town where thousands of people are trapped in territory occupied by the Russian army, without regular access to food and medicine.” The announcement was made on X by the leader of Azione, Carlo Calenda, as he joined the campaign launched yesterday in the pages of La Repubblica by the Vice-President of the European Parliament (who is also on hunger strike) to “call for an immediate humanitarian truce, the delivery of food and medicines, and the safe evacuation of civilians who wish to leave the city”.

"The last convoy carrying essential supplies arrived on 26 May. Those who stay risk starving to death; those who try to flee risk stepping on a landmine," wrote the leader of Azione. "The initiative is commendable and non-violent. In Italy, there are those who call for ‘more diplomacy’ every day. This is a diplomatic action. Let’s see how many join in.” So far, Picierno herself noted, the campaign has attracted over 400 signatories. “Among those taking part in the solidarity relay are: Sandro Gozi, Elisabetta Gualmini, Sofia Ventura, Emilia Rossi, Federica Valcauda, Debora Striani, Lorent Saleh, Marco Mondini, Gino Zavalani, Marika Mikiashvili, Stefano Esposito and Tomaso Greco,” reads a press release from Spazio Pubblico, the movement led by Picierno.