#Ukranian Sisters in #HongKong: "Humanity wins, even under these circumstances"
Oksana and Olena came to Hong Kong from Ukraine 17 years ago. 7 years ago, they opened Dacha, a restaurant in Central District, specialising in Eastern Euroean cuisine. After Russia launched its invasion in Ukraine, the sisters joined the #CookforUkraine campaign, raising funds with their signature Medovik cake.
Oksana and Olena grew up near the Eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, near the Russian border. The sisters were never confused of their national identity: "We are very clear, we are Ukrainians."
They also believed that most Russians were against the war and were victims of Putin's regime, being isolated by the international community.
"We have to do something together to stop this," Olena said. "This is affecting everyone, not only us, them [Russians] as well."
When they talked about their family and home in Ukraine, 7,600km away form Hong Kong, Oksana and Olena were visibly worried.
As they spoke, their cousin was hiding in a basement with her daughter in Kviv, while her husband was fighting in the frontline. The location of their family was far from the humanitarian corridor. If they tried to escape, it would be gambling with their lives.
Their 92-year-old grandfather, who lived through the Second World War, was now facing a war again.
The sisters were moved when they saw Russians in Hong Kong protesting in front of the Russian consulate. "We’re still human, and I’m so happy to see that humanity wins, even under this circumstance."
The added, "We don’t have to be all the same nationality to sit down together."
Oksana and Olena also expressed hope, despite the difficult circumstances, when they received the support of Hongkongers.
"When there is so much hatred, violence and ignorance in the world, these acts of kindness, courage and love still reminds us that the world is a good place."
Source: InMedia #Mar14
https://bit.ly/3MIKhSJ
#UkraineInHongKong #StandwithUkraine #Dacha #Conscience #Solidarity
Oksana and Olena came to Hong Kong from Ukraine 17 years ago. 7 years ago, they opened Dacha, a restaurant in Central District, specialising in Eastern Euroean cuisine. After Russia launched its invasion in Ukraine, the sisters joined the #CookforUkraine campaign, raising funds with their signature Medovik cake.
Oksana and Olena grew up near the Eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, near the Russian border. The sisters were never confused of their national identity: "We are very clear, we are Ukrainians."
They also believed that most Russians were against the war and were victims of Putin's regime, being isolated by the international community.
"We have to do something together to stop this," Olena said. "This is affecting everyone, not only us, them [Russians] as well."
When they talked about their family and home in Ukraine, 7,600km away form Hong Kong, Oksana and Olena were visibly worried.
As they spoke, their cousin was hiding in a basement with her daughter in Kviv, while her husband was fighting in the frontline. The location of their family was far from the humanitarian corridor. If they tried to escape, it would be gambling with their lives.
Their 92-year-old grandfather, who lived through the Second World War, was now facing a war again.
The sisters were moved when they saw Russians in Hong Kong protesting in front of the Russian consulate. "We’re still human, and I’m so happy to see that humanity wins, even under this circumstance."
The added, "We don’t have to be all the same nationality to sit down together."
Oksana and Olena also expressed hope, despite the difficult circumstances, when they received the support of Hongkongers.
"When there is so much hatred, violence and ignorance in the world, these acts of kindness, courage and love still reminds us that the world is a good place."
Source: InMedia #Mar14
https://bit.ly/3MIKhSJ
#UkraineInHongKong #StandwithUkraine #Dacha #Conscience #Solidarity