Ukrainian Canadians worry about Russia conflict: ‘I’m afraid for my family’

Ukrainian Canadians with families back in Ukraine are worrying about their safety as Russian aggression near the borders is stoking fears of a possible invasion.

As fears of a potential Russian military invasion in Ukraine grows, Anastasiya Khoma worries for her loved ones back home.

“I’m afraid for my family because there is nowhere they can go and there’s nothing much they can do to protect themselves,” the 27-year-old Edmonton resident told Global News.

“They cannot escape to either Europe or come to Canada, so they’re kind of trapped in a situation where they are.”

Many Ukrainians in Canada are growing uneasy with the ongoing crisis involving the two neighbouring nations, which has heated up this week as Russian troops amass near the border.

“This new escalation with this new military build-up, it worries me because … you don’t know what to expect,” said 41-year-old Winnipeg resident Dmytro Malyk, whose parents live in Ukraine.

“They’re very anxious (and) they’re very worried about what might happen.”

For weeks, tension has been building between Ukraine and Russia, stoking fears of an armed conflict between the two countries.

Russia has positioned about 100,000 troops across Ukraine’s borders, along with tanks and other heavy artillery. Russia has denied it intends to launch an invasion in the former Soviet state.