Central NC organization assists Ukraine as the country pushes back on Russia

Ukrainians are making gains, pushing invading Russian forces back from the territory they once held in the war between the two countries.

Olena Kozlova-Pates founded Ukrainians in the Carolinas.

“The Russian army is weak, they are losing,” said Kozlova-Pates. “Ukraine is on the offensive.”

But many do not want to go.

“Families are leaving Russia in all directions – all across the border,” said Kozlova-Pates.

There have also been protests in Russia resulting in hundreds of arrests – according to an independent monitor.

“That is why I believe Russia is truly weaker than ever right now,” said Kozlova-Pates.

Kozlova-Pates and Ukrainians in the Carolinas want to keep the pressure on. Some members of the group have even traveled from the Triangle to the war-torn country with help for Ukrainian fighters.

“I think we sent a total of 17 suitcases with medical supplies,” said Kozlova-Pates.

And they bought an ambulance.

“We purchased it in Italy and through our partners, delivered it to Ukraine," said Kozlova-Pates. "Now it is serving on the front lines.”

A lot of the efforts are made possible through gifts from the community here, but the war and the suffering continues.

Kozlova-Pates said this is not the time for Ukraine supporters to let up.

“We understand Ukraine is winning, all the signs are there, but we need more support, more weapons, more tanks," said Kozlova-Pates. "We need more assistance right now.”

Kozlova-Pates said that assistance can be as simple as contacting your elected leaders and asking them to commit more support for the war effort in Ukraine.