CLEVELAND — With the war in Ukraine continuing to rage on, people across the United States are showing more and more support for the war-torn country.
From Ukrainian flags hanging on buildings to posts on social media, Americans continue to show their support for Ukraine, and people like Anna Kukalo notice.
Kukalo was born and raised in Ukraine and then moved to America officially in 2015.
She left some of her family in Ukraine, including her 88-year-old mother, with whom she is in constant contact.
Kukalo said she came to America for a chance at a better life and found it.
“It is just a beautiful country with freedom and independence,” Kukalo said. “It’s like [a] different world, you know?”
With the war in Ukraine ongoing, the Ukrainian native said she is extremely worried about her family in her home country. She is also worried she may never have time to visit her beloved mother in person again.
“The last time I was in Ukraine, I don’t know if I will be visiting her again or not. We don’t know what it will look like,” Kukalo said. “Will Russia occupy us and not move back? I might not go back to my country, my hometown.”
Even with all the stress she is under, Kukalo said it has pleasantly surprised her to see the outpouring of support for Ukraine. She explained she has even had strangers stop her in public places, like grocery stores, upon seeing her Ukrainian flag face mask, to express their concern.
“I appreciate each and every American,” she said. “I feel like I could cry [from the support.]”
She urges those in America to continue to show their support, because little things can mean a lot.
“My mom just said, ‘Pray, just pray for Ukraine, and ask God to cover us.’”