BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Ukrainian Americans from the Pacific Northwest are speaking out against the Russian invasion of their homeland.

Sofia Kovalenko says that while her family in Ukraine is safe for now, one relative is prepared to risk his life for his country’s freedom.

“My mother called my grandpa and he is 70 years old, he has one kidney, and he has other health problems,” said Kovalenko. “He was telling us that he has signed up to join the local militia and he’s ready to fight and do whatever he needs to do so that the other kids can have a chance at freedom.”

For other Ukrainian-Americans, speaking out about Russia’s invasion comes at a price.

Maksym Kovalenko said that his wife, Liliya, was targeted after giving a TV interview.

“A person was essentially threatening my wife, alleging that she was lying on the news and why are we doing this?” said Maksym Kovalenko.

Both Sofia and Maksym are encouraging people to contact local representatives and to donate to resources that help people in Ukraine.

You can find thinks to those resources online here. 

Whatcom County residents of Ukrainian and Russian descent who worship together are heartbroken over the conflict.

Nazar Gamdysey is Russian and also a member and official with the Ukrainian Evangelical Church on Cornwall in Bellingham.

“We have relatives in both countries and in the middle,” said Gamdysey. “It’s really sad to see any kind of conflict between them. It’d be the same horrible thing if a family had a big fight between each other. That’s how we feel. We just pray that whatever God can control, the war stops and they can figure out a peaceful way to live next to each other down the road.”

He says most members he talks with try to stay away from politics and the media and prefer to pray together that the sides will find a peaceful solution.

To listen to the full interviews with Sofia Kovalenko and Maksym Kovalenko on our Podcast page.