Folks have taken to the streets all over the world to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has now been ongoing for almost three weeks. In Atlanta, some Russians are additionally working to point out solidarity with Ukraine, taking part in protests and talking out towards the warfare.
In late February, Julia Krotova — who stated she's a former human rights lawyer in Russia and present political asylee — helped manage a protest in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park. She stated the principally Russian crowd waved blue and yellow flags in solidarity.
Krotova instructed CBS Information that like many, she hopes for an "finish to the warfare towards Ukraine."
"I really feel ache. I cry quite a bit proper now," Krotova stated. "At this second, the individuals of Ukraine are defending their freedom and nation, at the price of their lives."
Krotova stated she's additionally participated in a motion to assemble humanitarian help for Ukrainians. That group, "Atlanta with Ukraine," stated on its web site that it has collected almost 20 tons of important items like garments and non-perishable meals.
The web site stated vehicles will now take the help to a port in Savannah, Georgia, the place it is going to be shipped to Klaipeda, Lithuania en path to Lviv, Ukraine. A humanitarian fund will then be accountable for distributing the help all through Ukraine, based on the web site.
Russia's invasion has brought about greater than two million Ukrainians to flee their properties — and a few Russians are unaware of what's actually taking place because of the nation's crackdown on reporting. Atlanta-based Marina Kremyanskaya, who migrated from Russia to America greater than 30 years in the past, stated she believes propaganda has misled individuals she is aware of within the nation.
"Every single day these individuals obtain mistaken info," Kremyanskaya instructed CBS Information. "And it is very onerous to alter their minds."
Kremyanskaya says she is "proud" of those that have proven help for Ukrainians all over the world, however can be unhappy for Russians who don't agree with the warfare.
"Putin is out of actuality," Kremyanskaya stated. "And I am actually sorry for the Russian individuals who will expertise such dangerous sanctions. I am sorry for each international locations."