MINNEAPOLIS — Iryna Petrus fled Ukraine with her 4-year-old daughter the day after her hometown of Lviv was bombed.
She traveled with a friend to Poland, then France. She left France for Mexico, then made it to the United States. After living in Texas and New Hampshire, Petrus settled in Minnesota with help from several host families.
She is fluent in English and has taken on the role as Community Outreach Director at the Ukrainian Center in Northeast Minneapolis.
If there is anyone who understands war, it's her.
Petrus feels terrible after witnessing another war break out in Israel.
"You feel hopeless. You don't know how to help them," Petrus said.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden gave an Oval Office address focusing on the United States helping fight for freedom in Israel and Ukraine. In a rare address, the president explained why he believes it’s crucial for Israel and Ukraine to win the respective wars as he looks to build support for a hefty aid package aimed at strengthening both countries.
Biden compared Hamas to Russia's Vladimir Putin, in their respective wars. He said both are trying to take away freedom and could advance if they win.
"Yes, I have felt forgotten," Petrus said. "I have worried about the United States forgetting about us."
Petrus says Ukraine has been devastated by Russian bombs, but their people are resilient and adapting by building bomb shelters for schools, daycares and hospitals. The small country has held off Russia and its massive military presence for over 600 days, in large part thanks to $350 billion in aid from Western nations.
The United States government nearly shut down over issues with the amount of spending going toward the war in Ukraine. Republicans in Congress wouldn't vote for the budget package that initially included a large chunk of aid to Ukraine. Since the conflict started, the U.S. has sent around $44 billion in security aid to Ukraine, according to the State Department.
On Thursday, President Biden said he will be asking Congress for an emergency funding package that his administration plans to submit Friday. Biden may request $60 billion in aid to Ukraine and a total of $40 billion for Israel, Taiwan and the U.S.-Mexico border, according to NBC News.
Petrus is proud that Ukrainians have fought off Russia. She hopes there will be an agreement to end the war soon, but in the meantime is focused on helping other Ukrainians find shelter, food and work in the United States.
"Very sad to admit that people are getting used to war," Petrus said. "They all are doing what they can to help from here, but all want to go back home."
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