In the midst of the raging war between Russia and Ukraine, they had a small victory a year ago today when the village of Bucha was liberated from battle. Russia infiltrated Ukraine on February 24, 2022 and wrecked havoc on the citizens. This caused many Ukrainians to flee from their country to safer environments. Many people have come into America, and even to GP. “The way to America was very hard since I flew through a few countries. I was in Italy for two weeks but then I moved to America because I had relatives there, but it was a very long way. I feel safer now since I was really scared of missles. It’s the scariest part of Ukraine. I heard one once, an explosion. At first I thought it was thunder and had started raining but it was actually part of a military attack,” Olysea Karabin said. 

The attacks going on have been bloody and constant in a country that doesn’t have enough power to fight back. Since they need support, people are trying to raise awareness and funds. For example, there’s an art gallery in Everett called, ‘The Schack’ which held a specific exhibit featuring Ukrainian art. This helped showcase the stories they were creating with pain. Anyway that the word can get out is important since they’re struggling when they don’t deserve to be. So many have been forced to leave their homes and adjust to completely new lives.

Coming to America blind and from a country where speaking the language isn’t common is not an easy change. “When I came in April of last year, it was very difficult to speak English so I didn’t talk, I would just point for things when I wanted them and it was hard. People are and were nice, they’re always smiling and I like America. I miss Ukraine too however since only my mom came with me and I have more family in Ukraine,” Karabin said. 

Organizations like the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington work towards helping save their people. The spreading of the cause is what helps get wins like in Bucha. The fight went on for almost a month and included mass death. It’s a cause that needs to be seen or the destruction will ripple into other villages. “I’m very thankful to those who have tried to help Ukrainians. There’s not much more they can do since they’ve already helped a lot but I just hope they keep helping,” Karabin said. 

You can make a change.