It has been a difficult time even for Utahns as they have watched the conflict in Ukraine continue, but even more so for those waiting to hear if their family and loved ones there are safe.
In the busy movement at the Salt Lake City International Airport on Saturday, one group stood still.
“I can’t believe this is happening, to be honest," said Kravchenko, nervously holding one edge of the Ukrainian flag while glancing toward the door her mom could walk through any minute. "Every day is scary, especially when you’re watching the news and you see your neighborhood being bombed," said Kravchenko."When I was on the phone with my parents, I could hear the explosions through the phone. It was the most horrifying thing I’ve ever heard.”“Every day we wake up with the thought of whether they are still alive or not, and when we hear their voices, we celebrate life," he said.
For Kravchenko, Osipenko and Voronetska, their loved ones have traveled from Kyiv to Poland or Hungary and eventually to Utah. Most of their family members left as soon as the invasion began more than a week ago.Feeling that real hug is what 16-year-old Ieva just left behind in Kyiv.One 15-year-old girl made the journey alone, leaving her family back in Kyiv due to visa trouble.