Local Ukrainian reflects on one year anniversary of Russian invasion

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-This week marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine and amplified the war that started in 2014. 

“Many of the Ukrainians, who love their country and are hoping to go back in a couple of months find themselves wondering when they will ever go back,” said International Center of Kentucky Executive Director and CEO Albert Mbanfu. 

This is the reality for 31-year-old Alina Kruhlii. She had lived in Ukraine her entire life, before coming to Bowling Green on sponsorship, never forgetting the day her life changed forever.

“I remember I left my office and left some papers. I was like tomorrow I’ll come here and set up something and I came in four months after that,” said Kruhlii. 

She worked at the university near Kyiv. 

“The head department told us don’t come. Do not come. So I went to my parents,” said Kruhlii. 

Eventually they had to leave that home as well. 

“We have air raid sirens. Heard air raid sirens and I was walking in the street to the bus stop. And air raid missiles can come and kill you just like that,” said Kruhlii. 

She ended up applying to come to the U.S. and moved here in September. 

“I found a job here. I have friends here already and I plan to live here…I have permission to live here for two years,” said Kruhlii. 

Most Ukrainians are here temporarily, thinking they will return once tensions clear….but for many it is taking much longer than expected. 

“Because the war has happened for a year, it’s like what happens to your temporary status? So the government has to come up with something now to extend the Ukrainians who are here to have to leave. Because the war is not ending anytime soon,” said Mbanfu.