FRANKLIN, Wis. — As the war between Russia and Ukraine reached the 500-day mark, the Wisconsin Ukrainians held their annual Ukrainian Picnic as a fundraiser to help those directly impacted by the conflict.
Victoria Nanava was filled with pride Sunday as she raised the Ukrainian flag at the Croatian Park in Franklin. She said it has the signatures from members of the Stugna Battalion, who are on the front lines of the war.
“It’s indescribable because those people are giving their lives right now for the freedom of Ukraine and for the world,” said Nanava.
The past year and a half has been a struggle for Nanava as she has watched her native country be torn apart.
“I hate every single day that it continues on. We need to win. We need to win fast,” said Nanava.
Karina Tweedell was the emcee for the performances that celebrated Ukrainian heritage. She said victory for Ukraine is still far away.
“Lots of people don’t have a constant supply of water, or for example, in my hometown, they only get water every so often, every couple days, it’s only two hours and there are a lot of electricity interruptions so the whole country is suffering,” said Tweedell.
That’s why Tweedell and many other Wisconsin Ukrainians are doing anything they can to try to end their home country’s suffering as soon as possible.
“We are able to help people directly because we are a grassroots and relatively small organization,” said Tweedell. “We have supported people in the front lines with boots and coats and thermal underwear, a lot of medical supplies, a lot of food supplies.”
Nanava said she believes their picnic can help make a difference
“The fundraiser helps the Ukrainian people to persevere in their victory and that brings the victory closer to us every day,” said Nanava.
For Nanava and other Wisconsin Ukrainians, it’s all about reaching peace in Ukraine.