People Living In Charlotte With Ties To Russia and Ukraine React To The Invasion

CHARLOTTE, NC – Russian and Ukrainian immigrants living in the Charlotte area are calling for peace and an end to the invasion.

Alexander Prosvetov is the  Pastor at Fathers House Church in southeast Charlotte.

The church has been a staple of the community for the last 12 years. They serve about 300 mostly Russian speaking members.. Recent sermons have focused on the war overseas.

“Send a message to people about unity. Just ask yourself how we can help to Ukrainian,” said Alexander Prosvetov.

He says the invasion is creating a lot of confusion amongst his members. Many have mixed slavic families.

“For example I am Russian, my wife is Ukrainian. And of course our families are in both countries,” said Prosvetov.

Charlotte area slavic immigrants say they’re experiencing similar feelings.

“The conflict hurts all of us,” said Tatiana Thulien.

Thulien has parents from both Russia and Ukraine.

“Every morning I wake up and I grab my phone to see is it over. Is it over,” said Thulien.

She leads a Russian American Business Cultural Association out of South Charlotte.

“Most of those who live here run away from the regime. They run away from Corruption. They wanted to find peaceful life here,” said Thulien.

She says some businesses and people have experienced hate here. One European grocery store was vandalized..

“My friend is a psychologist. Her Ukrainian clients unsubscribed from her because she can not speak Ukrainian,” said Thulien.

But through it all, Thulien says people need to understand that our Russian and Ukrainian neighbors are struggling and in need of support.

“It has nothing to do with people who work and live here and run away to have peaceful life here,” said Thulien.

Prosvetov and Fathers House church has set up three refugee camps in neighboring countries. They’re in need of support. For more information, click here.