Tri-State Area's Ukrainian community prepares to mark 3 years since Russia invaded
Members of the Ukrainian community across the Tri-State Area are preparing to mark three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, sparking the ongoing war between the two countries.
Ukrainian New Yorkers pray for those lost in war
Mass at All Saints Ukrainian Church in the East Village went on a little longer Sunday morning, with special prayers in honor of those lost in war.
Nina Kravets' parents are both in the Ukrainian military. She hasn't seen them in almost exactly three years.
"It's hard. At this point, I do miss them but I do understand that, like, there is no other way," she said.
She says they're just fulfilling their duty.
Illia Streekar's son had just been born when Russia initially invaded Ukraine on on Feb. 24, 2022.
"We just pray every day to God to help us end the war. And for all of our friends and family in Ukraine to be healthy," he said.
"Ask the government of the United States not to forget about Ukraine as a young country who's trying to fight for their own freedom," Rev. Vitaliy Pavlykivskyy said through a translator.
In the meantime, parishioners say they don't want their children to only know their beloved country in war.
"It is constant sadness and tragedy, as well as being strong all the time. So it's all those emotions, plus thousands of more every day," Streekar said.
Some parishioners plan to spend Monday evening in Times Square at a rally in support of Ukraine.
New Jersey teacher helps kids build drones to send to Ukraine
New Jersey teacher Olga Figol, who is Ukrainian American, was in Ukraine in January, volunteering at a camp for children who lost their fathers in the war.
"We knew we couldn't cure, but we can bring hope, we can bring smiles, we can do everything we can to show them we have not forgotten about them," she said.
She's now continuing that support here at home. Figol and her husband are leading a project with the Ukrainian American Youth Association's Passaic Branch, helping local kids build drones.
"These drones will go to Ukraine, and they will be used eventually whether it's on the front lines, search and rescue," Figol said. "Really show the kids that ... your smallest deed does have an impact."
She also attended a rally in Washington, D.C. this weekend to show their unwavering support in the fight for Ukraine's freedom.
"We did not start this war. We did not ask for this war. We were attacked," Figol said.
Ukrainian president says he would resign to guarantee peace
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodoymyr Zelenskyy was asked if he would give up his position in power if it meant an end to the war.
"If it guarantees peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to resign, I am ready. I can exchange it for NATO," he said.
Zelenskyy's comments follow a war of words sparked by President Trump, who called Zelenskyy a dictator and falsely claimed that Ukraine started the war. Zelenskyy said Trump is misinformed.
On the eve of Monday's grim milestone, Russia launched a record 267 drones into Ukraine, destroying infrastructure and killing at least three people.