Ukrainian businesses continue to see immense support amid uncertainty

For Ukrainians living in Saskatchewan, it’s easy to feel a great sense of uncertainty every day knowing your family back home is in danger.

That’s the case for Olga Chernenka with the Ukrainian Co-op in Regina.

The outside of the Ukrainian Co-op in Regina. (Logan Stein/980 CJME)

She says she has been in constant contact with her brothers and her mother over the last month as they are stuck in the city of Melitopol, which has been besieged by Russian forces.

“It has been a very stressful time for me and my family,” Chernenka said. “I worry about their safety. I contact them daily to make sure they’re safe.”

According to multiple sources, the southern Ukrainian city has a “new mayor” after its elected mayor was kidnapped by Russian troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned what has been happening in the city, and thousands of other people in the region have openly voiced opposition to the occupation in the region as well.

Chernenka says her family members are not planning on going anywhere despite the current situation they find themselves in.

“They don’t want (to leave), and they can’t now because they are occupied,” she said. “Seeing everything is so stressful.”

The impact of what is happening in her homeland is being felt here in Regina, where Ukrainian products are continuously backlogged.

Now, more products from countries like Poland and Moldova are making their way to store shelves to make sure products are still flowing in.

Even though there is a great deal of uncertainty in her home country, Chernenka says the support by people throughout the city has only grown in the weeks following the invasion.

It brings her peace knowing so many people in the community care about what is happening in a place most of them have never visited.

“So many customers, they support Ukraine, they do donations, they are so helpful for people in Ukraine,” she said. “We are so thankful of their support of my country.”

Asked how the support makes her feel, Chernenka began to tear up and said: “It makes things better.”

Driving through Regina, people might notice Ukrainian flags near the Legislative Building or on the porches of some homes.

Some Regina businesses continue to accept donations and supplies to be shipped to countries surrounding Ukraine for fleeing refugees.

People interested in making a donation or learning how they can provide support can do so by clicking here.