Immigrants from Russia, Ukraine Pray for Family Back Home: ‘I Just Want to Know They Are Safe’

As we follow the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are reminded of how the crisis hits home.

“Interdependence highlights the reality that no matter where conflict takes place, it impacts us,” said Michael Gold-Biss, a faculty member teaching political science at North Hennepin Community College.  “The smallest country in the world is tied to the world in ways you can’t imagine. Today, everyone is tied together.”

Gold-Biss says he’s closely following the crisis in Eastern Europe and that students will be asking how the crisis impacts them. He says we could see higher prices on certain items that come from sanctions or fluctuating fuel prices. 

Family Members Praying for Ukraine

With many immigrants from Russia and Ukraine calling the northwest suburbs home, you don’t have to look far to find someone with a direct tie to the crisis.

“It’s very hard for me,” said Elena Hanson, who has parents who live in Ukraine. “I can’t be close to them and hold their hands and even say, mom or dad, I’m here for you.”

Hanson says she’s connecting on the phone with her parents twice a day.

“I just want to know they’re safe and it’s a very tragic situation that we’re experiencing,” said Hanson. “Let’s hope it’s going to end soon.”

Hanson shops at the Paradise Market in Maple Grove, picking up items that remind her of home. Many of the customers are dismayed to see what’s happening.

“They’re destroying my country,” said Vladimir Smikyukh, who has family in Ukraine. “Maybe he’ll stop at Kyiv, but I’m thinking he’s going to go west.”

As to why Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking over Ukrainian territory, faculty member Michael Gold-Biss says there are many factors that could weigh into Putin’s reasoning. One of them could be Putin’s age of 70 and thinking about his place in Russian history.

“They are a super-continent and he wants to consolidate that before he goes into history. He wants to be seen as a super-Tsar” said Gold-Biss. “One bug that is really itching him is Ukraine.”

CCX News photojournalist Jason Melillo contributed to this report.

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