Ukrainians unite in Lincoln on two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – As the war in Ukraine hits the two-year mark, dozens gathered in in front of the state capitol building on Saturday to support each other.

Mykhmilo Smyshlaiaev, a Ukrainian living in Lincoln, said the war has been hard for him to watch.

“It’s two years of destroying my country, of killing my people, of separating families, friends, my neighbors,” he said.

He said it’s been especially heartbreaking to watch the news of missiles hitting his hometown recently.

One of the goals of the gathering was to remind people that the war is still ongoing.

“Things are in and out of the news cycle so easily,” said Gary Fuller, the pastor of Gentle Shepherd Baptist. “When it comes to something like Ukraine, we have to stay on top of it.”

Sen. Tom Brewer was also in attendance. He has traveled to Ukraine many times, and plans to make the trip again soon.

He said Nebraska is in a unique position to help.

“Many of the things that we have in Nebraska – irrigation, grain bins, tractors, combines – all of these are things they’re going to need when the war is over,” he said.

Ivan Karpyuk said the Ukrainian community in Lincoln wants to keep Nebraska educated on what’s happening in their country.

“We just want to encourage people,” he said. “It’s important that we, as Americans, stand on the right side of history.”