The Sconi

Ukrainian emigrants are watching the Russian invasion in their home country unfold and are expressing their concern about friends and family living in the country. 

Ruslana Westerlund, a Ukrainian immigrant living in Cross Plains who came to the United States 27 years ago when she was 22, told WiscNews that the unprovoked attack by Russia last week on her homeland is “surreal.” She also told the website that her country is resilient, having survived numerous invasions over its history, including Russian President Vladimir Putin’s incursion. 

“Ukrainian democracy has been a threat to Putin for many years, so now he’s sending in ‘peacekeepers’ — that’s his word,” Westerlund told the website. “His war is fought with lies.”

Westerlund told the website that she estimates she has some 30 family members still living in Ukraine, including a nephew who lives in Kyiv, who escaped the fighting and is currently safe in a shelter in a village on the city’s outskirts. 

The website also noted that Westerlund has been able to reach her father, who recounted to her that he heard rockets pass overhead that ultimately struck a target an hour away from his home in the central part of the country. She told the news outlet that he has had trouble finding basic necessities and the recounted that gasoline is now being rationed. 

Describing the hours and days since the invasion is a nightmare. Westerlund told the website that she hopes Americans will call their representatives in the U.S. Senate to support aid for Ukraine and ensure that additional sanctions are meted out against Russia. 

Other Ukrainians also are expressing their disbelief. Anna Popovych told the website that her family in Ukraine was able to visit others in the relative safety of Belarus, but she recounted how some friends are hiding in bomb shelters and subways, adding that she never believed this would happen. The website also noted that Yulia Khalikova, who is from Russia, said taking part in a small campus event recently was a small gesture of support.