KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2024 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Arizona's Ukrainian communities hold out hope for loved ones as Russia invades Ukraine

Hope for a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis was dashed as the world woke up today to find that Russian President Vladimir Putin had finally followed through with an invasion of neighboring Ukraine.

After weeks of military buildup around the eastern portion of the independent nation, Russian missiles preceded a land incursion as tanks, mobile batteries and troops entered eastern Ukraine, right in front of global news cameras.

The details of the invasion are still trickling out, but it does appear as though Russian forces are attacking urban and military targets; both Ukrainian civilian and military casualties are being reported.

Here in the Valley, members of the region’s Ukrainian communities are on edge as they await word from friends and family.

Victor Schwez grew up in Chicago’s Ukrainian community, and now, he is the president of the Saint Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church here in Phoenix. 

The Show spoke with him to learn what he's feeling as the situation in Ukraine evolves.

More Stories From KJZZ

Steve Goldstein was a host at KJZZ from 1997 to 2022.