A convoy organized by the Italian
National Board for Animal Protection (ENPA), along with the
Italian Foreign Ministry (Farnesina) and the Italian Society for
International Organizations (SIOI), is attempting to reach an
animal sanctuary approximately 40 kilometres outside of Kyiv.
Andrea Cisternino, who was feared to be missing after the
Russian invasion of Ukraine, has refused to leave the over 400
animals under his guardianship. Cisternino, an Italian fashion
photographer and animal rescuer, is facing dire circumstances as
the Russian offensive is ever closer and cutting off supplies.
"I just communicated with Andrea. At dawn a lot of shooting
started after a seemingly quiet night," writes Anna Raimondi,
March 25. Raimondi is a supporter in contact with Cisternino.
"We confirm that a convoy loaded with human and animal food,
medicines, and more, has left Verona," ENPA posted on Facebook
March 24. "We sincerely thank President Carla Rocchi, as well as
Director Michele Gualan, for their heartfelt commitment. We also
thank SIOI and its President Franco Frattini."
There is no "precise date" for the convoy's arrival, says ENPA.
The journey to Kyiv is riddled with checks and stops.
The four co-workers and all of the animals in the sanctuary are
completely cut off and in "a desperate situation", Italian
television TG 1 reports.
They reportedly have no food, no water and are completely
isolated.
"Let us all join together to send a lot of positive energy so
that everything runs smoothly! We will all rejoice together ONLY
when Andrea gives us the confirmation," writes Raimondi.
"We will notify you as soon as we know, even in the dead of
night."
Cisternino, who has over 75,000 followers on social media, cares
for over 400 rescued animals outside of the Ukraine capital,
Kyiv.
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