“Being Russian, sort of having that culture, does not equivocate with supporting the absolutely murderous government's corrupt and murders government that that leads the country now,” he said. 

He said it was heartbreaking to see the attack on Ukraine on Thursday. 

“I have a whole bunch of Ukrainian friends whose families are trapped in absolutely terrible conditions," he said. "And I'm afraid every morning to open my phone and see a text message from them, it's absolutely terrifying.” 

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched what he called "a special military operation" into Ukraine. 

“I can tell you that to my knowledge, like all my friends, all my Russian friends. We were shell-shocked," said Khoretonenko. "Maybe it's not a great expression, but we like somebody hit us in the head and we don't know now what to expect. I know that my friends in Russia are in absolute terrible law about that. And nobody, nobody wants it."

Around the world and in northeast Ohio, people are showing their support.  

On Sunday, Khoretonenko along with other volunteers with Cleveland’s Russian Cultural Garden removed the Russian flag from the display. 

“I know that some people do not support this decision, but we in our smaller community of people who represent Russian Cultural Garden," he said. "We think that it is not possible to still have the state symbol of a state that unleashed the war on another country."

Khoretonenko said he believes every war is a crime against humanity and this war is not an exception. 

Cleveland’s Cultural Gardens is a source of pride for locals. The area showcases several countries' heritages through nature and history.  

For more information on the Russian Cultural Garden, click here.