Ukrainian community in East TN reflects on war on their Independence Day

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — This year marks the 33 ^rd year of Ukraine’s independence, but as the Ukrainian community in East Tennessee came together, they reflected on their ongoing war with Russia.

“You will go to bed and you’re not sure if you will wake up the next day,” said Olena Korotych.

Korotych started a nonprofit organization koloHUB shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in Febuary 2022.  Coming off a recent trip to there, she said despite the invasion, Ukrainians remain unbroken.

“But it still was admiring for me, as the spirit of Ukraine and unbroken,” she said, “It is really incredible and inspiring and it is motivating and helps me to do more to help Ukraine.”

Through koloHUB, Korotych sends money and supplies to aid Ukrainian troops and civilians. However, she says she couldn’t do it without the help of her East Tennessee community.

“She can see everything what’s going on with her own eyes over there and bring everything here to share with people,” said a recent volunteer, Rita Gregory.

Both Gregory, and Korotych said many of the Ukrainians in East Tennessee still have family across the globe.

Rita Gregory recalled her parents home in Donetsk being destroyed Saturday. She said it was always a dream of hers to show her children her home town.

“My school, my parents house, got completely destroyed today, and to be with community right now, it’s hard because all people, Ukrainian people, have a huge stress and we understand that we should unite together as much as we can,” she said.

Starting with celebrating Ukraine’s independence.

“I’m so fortunate to see Ukraine actually be independent, and before the war —  thriving,” said Marina Gregory.

Marina Gregory recently moved to East Tennessee from Kyiv in 2023. She said she left the country to finish high school in Tennessee, and events like this one help her feel more connected to her community.

“And actually speaking to another person who on a deeper level who understands me and has also lived through some events that I’ve lived through,” she said.

They said they remain optimistic for Ukraine, and will continue to help them fight.

“When it seems like there is nothing can change, Ukraine progress and finds a solution how to continue fighting and how to change the strategy in order to secure the victory,” said Korotych.

To find out more about their non-profit koloHUB or how to get involved you can visit their website here.

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