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This family with ties to Ukraine are ‘beyond worried’ about the situation

Philanthropic locals speak on unfolding global tension

As Russia amasses 100,000 troops alongside Ukrainian borders, including to the south and southeastern parts of the country, and high-profile diplomatic talks stall, one family in Kelowna with ties to the country is nervous for what the future holds.

“We’re kind of beyond worried. We’re more into scared right now … say your prayers,” Peter Bihun told Kelowna10.

Bihun is the president of the Dolyna Ukrainian Culture Society, where he and his wife promote Ukrainian culture and traditions, everything from dance to crafts and cooking. He was born in Canada, but still has strong ties to Ukraine, where they visit often.

Regarding the current tensions, Bihun hopes more people here will begin to understand the severity of the situation overseas.

“You need to be aware of what’s going on and you need to realize that this is really a very serious situation,” he said.

In 2014, Russia illegally annexed Crimea, causing Canada to place sanctions on Russian officials. The Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) also became a self-proclaimed state in the eastern Ukrainian oblast of Donetsk, after declaring independence from Ukraine through the efforts of Russian-backed separatists.

On Thursday, Canada said it will join allies in imposing severe sanctions if Russia takes further military action. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada is ready to take on further measures, with a focus on the financial sector.

“I think Canada has been doing its best with what they have, which isn’t very much,” Bihun said.

Bihun and his wife have been doing what they can to help aid Ukraine. For the past few years, they created Christmas shoeboxes, which are sent to the country to assist children. This year, they took on about 50 disadvantaged children.

They also help wounded soldiers in Ukraine by doing philanthropic work such as providing a military base with physiotherapy equipment, bandages, medicine, and more.

“Each year that we go now, we try to go to that military hospital and say, alright, what piece of equipment can we buy for you this year,” he said.

He explained how many soldiers are receiving wounds to their arms and legs, but also endure a lot of physical head trauma.

“Some of those soldiers have just some incredible wounds … because they’ve been hit by sniper fire,” Bihun explained.

He said Ukraine isn’t asking for boots on the ground and he hopes international governments will supply Ukraine with the weapons and tools it needs to fend off Russia.

“What they want to be is a porcupine. They want to be bristling with stuff that says do not attack me, or you are going to suffer the consequences,” Bihun said.

His said his friends in western Ukraine, that currently does not face a buildup of Russian troops, are blunt when asked about the aggression: “We will fight to the last person. We will not let them come. We will die to keep them out.”

Published 2022-01-21 by Jordan Brenda

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