Ukrainian community stands in solidarity in East Village as Russia's assault continues overseas
NEW YORK -- The Ukrainian community in and around New York City continued to band together Friday as they witness tragedy unfolding overseas.
They were joined by elected leaders and others to rally against Russia's invasion, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported.
"The situation is very bad. Very bad," said Valentyna Bardakova, of Great Neck.
Bardakova said watching Russia invade Ukraine, where her parents live, is like being in a bad dream.
"They want to be their homeland, in their house. They don't want to be refugees. They want to stay their home," Bardakova said.
Nearly 48 hours after the war started, support remained on full display in the East Village neighborhood also known as Little Ukraine.
Politicians, clergy, diplomats & leaders of other ethnic communities say, “We stand with Ukraine.” They’re speaking out at the Ukrainian National Home in the East Village @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/UkIaiEBSjz
— Andrea Grymes (@AndreaGrymesTV) February 25, 2022
Outside St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church, candles sat under the message "Pray for Ukraine." Inside, people were doing just that, CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis reported.
"It's too much to think about, millions of people being in danger and their country being taken from them and revival of the Soviet empire, possibly," said Michelle Tokarczyk, a Manhattan resident and third-generation Ukrainian.
"That's why we've been keeping the church open from the morning to the evening," said Father Peter Shyshka, whose congregation is feeling pain and praying for peace.
"They have family in Ukraine, I still have family. Tried to get in touch with them yesterday, communications were not the best so I couldn't get through," Shyshka said.
The church planned to hold another community prayer service Saturday at noon.
"We're standing here strong in New York and we are showing, supporting Ukraine as our nation," said Andrew Ilnicki, from East Village Meat Market.
Watch Jenna DeAngelis's Report
Veselka, a Ukrainian restaurant, turned its traditional black and white cookie into colors of the Ukrainian flag, hoping to raise awareness about the crisis.
"My grandfather started this. He was an immigrant from Ukraine escaping Russian aggression in the 1940s," said Veselka's owner Jason Birchard.
"They're frightened, they're scared, there's a state of shock. People don't know what to do," Birchard said. "It's not only a war against Ukraine. It's a war against the free world."
Steps away from Veselka, politicians, clergy and other ethnic groups gathered at the Ukrainian National Home to stand in solidarity with Ukrainian New Yorkers.
"We are here to stand with you and to stand up to this, to support our neighbors," Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said.
U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney noted the U.S. and allies have imposed the most severe sanctions Russia has ever seen.
"Some have asked, why not do more? And I share some of these concerns. There are still many crippling costs that can and will be imposed if Putin does not change course," Maloney said.
Ukrainians from our area are watching with worry over how the crisis will unfold as their loved ones' lives are on the line.
"We're super anxious, obviously. We're trying to get as much info from them. We're just hoping for the best because there's nothing really we can do," said Viktoriya Tychynska, of Bensonhurst.
New York City is home to the largest Ukrainian population in the U.S.