Ukrainians in Iowa City worry about families in war zone back home

IOWA CITY — Oleksandr Obrosov talks to his family in Ukraine every day and every night.

Obrosov, who moved to Iowa City in 2013 and works at the University of Iowa, was born and raised in Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine where his parents and grandmother live.

“They mostly can't sleep. They’re waking up from explosions,” Obrosov said about his family.

Callie Hahn, Obrosov’s wife, said the two got married last year and have been unable to celebrate it in person with his family because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the two are unsure when they ever will be able to see Obrosov’s family in person.

“They want to destroy my country and completely destroy our independence,” Obrosov said about Russia’s war on Ukraine. “ … Now we are fighting not just for Ukraine but for all of Europe, all countries that were former Soviet Union.”

About 50 Iowa City residents, UI students and others gathered Tuesday afternoon in support of Ukraine. The event was organized by Iowa City resident and business owner Veronica Tessler and UI graduate student Olga Dubey. The demonstration began at the Pedestrian Mall followed by a short march to the Old Capitol, where nearly a dozen speakers, including Iowa City residents from Ukraine, spoke about the invasion.

Iowa City residents from Ukraine shared their worries about their families and how important it is for people to pay attention to the invasion and help Ukrainians.

People were able to make signs before the event at Yotopia Frozen Yogurt in downtown Iowa City, which is owned by Tessler. Signs read “Peace for Ukraine,” “We stand with Ukraine” and other messages of support.

Tessler said she wanted the event to help raise the voices of Ukrainians and show solidarity. Tessler’s father immigrated to the United States from Kyiv in 1973.

Dubey’s whole family is in Ukraine, and she said it was terrifying when the Russian invasion started. Dubey said her family remains in the country but has left Kyiv.

“Nowhere in Ukraine is safe, especially the bigger cities,” Dubey said. “There are always sirens going on because there is a danger of shelling or shooting.”

She said many people are hiding in basements or bunkers, trying to stay there as much as they can.

Dubey has been able to talk with her family, even if the connection hasn’t been good due to the Russian army targeting communication networks. She said her family is “relatively safe.”

Tuesday marked the sixth day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Associated Press reported the center of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, was hit by Russian shelling that struck the administration building and residential buildings. At least six people were killed and at least 20 other people injured.

A 40-mile convoy of Russian tanks and other vehicles advanced on Kyiv. Russian forces also pressed their attack on other towns and cities across Ukraine, including the strategic ports of Odesa and Mariupol in the south, the Associated Press reported.

The United Nations estimates more than 520,000 people have left Ukraine to neighboring countries.

People have rallied all across the county and the world to support Ukraine since the Russian invasion. Rallies in solidarity have been held in Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, among other cities.

Iowa City Council member Janice Weiner said the city stands with Ukraine. The city had the colors of the Ukrainian flag shining Monday night on the Ped Mall.

“I ask that we all please take this as a wake-up call,” Weiner said. “I am grateful to have democratic institutions and elections. We cannot and must not take this for granted.”

Viktor Soloviov attended the march to let people know what is happening in Ukraine and say that Ukrainians need support during Russian’s attack. Soloviov, a UI graduate student, is a former professor of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

Soloviov, who is from Kyiv, has lived in Iowa City for two years. He has been checking in with friends and family from back home as much as he can.

“We thought, how could we support our people from here?” Soloviov said. “ … Ukrainians are fighting for our motherland, for freedom, for the democracy and for their choice.”

Dubey, Soloviov and other speakers urged individuals to support Ukraine by donating to the army and to humanitarian resources. Flyers with information after the event directed individuals to www.supportukraine.co for more information and suggestions on what organizations to donate to.

“We are very grateful that you're supporting us here today, and we really hope there will be a way to end this as soon as possible,” Dubey said.

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