MINNEAPOLIS — As the war in Ukraine continues, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Saturday to punish hundreds of individuals.
Among them are the president, prime minister and foreign minister of Syria, as well as the chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces. The decree also imposes sanctions, mainly on Russian citizens and legal entities.
Since the very beginning of the Russian invasion, Minnesotans have rallied behind the local Ukrainian community. On Saturday night, an event called “Thanks from Ukraine” paid tribute to the many people who have donated and supported over the past year.
“The outpouring of support, both within our community, but especially outside the Ukrainian community, has been critical,” said Stefan Iwaskewycz.
Hundreds filled the hall of the Ukrainian American Community Center in northeast Minneapolis to reflect on the past year. The center has become a home away from home for some of the more than 15,000 Ukrainian refugees now in Minnesota.
“A lot of them come from very complex circumstances, they’re emotionally distressed, it’s a comfort zone,” said UACC board vice president Maria Shereneta.
It is also a healing ground for more than 50 wounded Ukrainian soldiers who have traveled to Minnesota to receive life-changing prosthetics.
“It’s a very successful program and it’s much needed. They’re getting the treatment they can’t get anywhere else,” Shereneta said.
Stand with Ukraine MN volunteer Stephen Vitvitsky said military and financial support is most needed to move forward.
“If we get the feeling, well, it’s so far away that I don’t want to hear anything more about it. One of the things we should all remember is that Ukrainians fight and die every day to support our values and defend against tyranny,’ said Vitvitsky.
The Ukrainian American Community Center is holding a job fair later this month to help refugees find work.
Companies interested in participating are requested to contact the Ukrainian American Community Center.
Kirsten Mitchell
