Ukrainians injured in war against Russia arrive in Tri-State Area for medical assistance, rehabilitation
NEWARK, N.J. -- Two Ukrainians who were wounded in the war against Russia landed in New Jersey on Saturday, coming to the United States for medical treatment.
Soldier Anton Domaratskyi shouted, "Glory to Ukraine," as he arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport. The crowd waiting to greet him and his fellow soldier Victor Nesterenkoi responded, "Glory to heroes."
The gathering of supporters was a surprise for both men, who were warmly welcomed to the U.S. with hugs, flowers, cards and song.
Domaratskyi said, through a translator, it was emotional for him to see the crowd of people that greeted them at the airport, but he felt very happy.
Their arrival at Terminal B at Newark was progress toward restoring some of what the men lost defending their country; both are amputees.
As CBS2's Vanessa Murdock reports, the organization Kind Deeds flew them to America to get fitted for prosthetics and rehabilitation.
Founder Oleksandr Rubtsov shares these are the first two soldiers the nonprofit has helped, and he wants to help many more Ukrainians.
"We hope we start big project today," he said.
Through a translator, Nesterenkoi said he was shocked to see the crowd of people at the airport. He added after he is done with rehabilitation, he will return to Ukraine to continue to defend his country.
Despite everything the soldiers have witnessed and endured, both will return to Ukraine and continue the fight for freedom.
"It's so emotional for me seeing them coming here to rehabilitation," Edgewater resident Maryna Adreieva said. "I have two brothers who defend Ukraine right now, and I can feel all this emotion every day."
"I know we got this. We will not give up," said Oksana Condon, with the organization Ukrainian Jersey City.
As the crowd gathered around curbside for a final show of support, Nesterenkoi hailed, "Glory to Ukraine!"
Domaratskyi and Nesterenkoi will return to Ukraine in about a month. Until then, they are staying with a host family in Brooklyn.
