“Sad, sober and unrealistic”: Ukrainian families in the NC are thinking about growing tensions with Russia

Raleigh, North Carolina (WNCN) – Rising tensions along Ukraine’s border with Russia are forcing United States leaders to expect an attack and invasion.

Being in the hemisphere, Ukrainian Americans and immigrant families across North Carolina say the conflict is going too close to home because they are worried about loved ones abroad.

Elena Kozlova-Pates created the group “Ukrainians in Carolina”.

She said the community was trying to unite around each other during this stressful time.

“It seems to be much closer now,” Kozlova-Pates said. “I think it’s a different feeling now than it was even three weeks ago.”

On Friday, President Joe Biden warned of possible Russian military action in the coming days, but said diplomacy was still on the table.

For families like Pate, they hope for the latter, not only for their loved ones who are still in Ukraine, but also for children.

“We have two children, and they have been to Ukraine many times, and they are worried when they see their grandparents again,” said husband Jason Pates. “They are even worried about the possibility of returning to Ukraine again, and it’s all in the air. And for what? ”

Russia’s current conflict with Ukraine has lasted for eight years. Anna Sabatini said it separated her family through geopolitical lines.

“The family is mostly broken,” Sabatini said. “I’ll do my best to support, but I feel kind of useless at the moment because there’s little you can do. The only thing I can do is tell everyone what’s going on. “

Between 5,000 Fort Bragg soldiers are deployed to Europe, on kind words from neighbors, Kozlova-Pates said she was grateful for the way North Carolina residents supported their community.

“I’m wearing a Ukrainian sweatshirt, I’m walking around my neighborhood, and a neighbor I don’t even know comes up to me and says I’m praying for Ukraine,” Kozlova-Pats said.