Ukranians in Philippines worry for loved ones back home

Ukrainians in the Philippines may be physically safe from the raging war in their country but they are not spared from the pain of bleeding hearts.

In an interview with GMA News, four Ukranian expatriates said they feel that their country has been left alone by the world against Russia's might.

They said that while they appreciate the statements of support and economic sanctions imposed by various nations, they also feel that these were not enough to stop a leader like Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"It feels like Ukraine is on its own. It's like everybody is showing solidarity in words - the support, the sanctions - but most of the sanctions will take effect in the long term. This is such kind of force that understands the equal and strong response. and I don't think that what is happening right now is enough to stop him (Russian President Vladimir Putin) from feeling more empowered," Olena Sabado, a Ukrainian expat in the Philippines, told GMA News.

For them, Russia's military action against Ukraine should concern the world  because it may give other nations dangerous ideas. 

"If we don't do anything now, the world order is gonna change. It's gonna change in a way that bigger countries will say 'fine, I can just march my army into this country  despite the fact that it's a sovereign country'," Olena Mazur, another Ukrainian expat in the Philippines, stated.

"We're dealing with the beginning of the end of the safety system and order which was introduced after World War ll and I think it will have an impact on each and every part of the world if the world is not gonna be united right now," Ukrainian expat Anthony Prysiazhniuk added.

The Ukrainian nationals based in the Philippines said they worry for their family and friends whose lives are now in danger.

"I'm in shock. I did have the chance to talk to one of my close friends this morning. She said they were sleeping in the hallway. They put their daughter to sleep in the bus stop to protect, away from glass and windows. I just heard from her 30 minutes ago and she said they moved to shelters because there was ongoing sirens all over Kyiv," Iryna Farria, Ukrainian expat, said.

While condemning Russia's actions, the Ukrainians interviewed by GMA News stressed that all they want is for peace to prevail.

"We are a peaceful country. That we are emotional now, does not mean we want war," Sabado stressed.

The Ukrainian Embassy in the Philippines, based in Malaysia, said there are not more than 100 Ukrainian nationals in the Philippines.—LDF, GMA News