However, some people stayed behind. Mariya Kaprinska, her husband Myrolav Karpinskyy, own a hotel at Stryi. She said that within two days of Russia’s invasion, they had been fully booked.
She stated that many guests are simply stopping by on their way out of the country. Kaprinksa said that guests often ask where to hide. “They check in the room and ask, ‘Is it possible to hide?’ They ask for the basement.
Kaprinska isn’t just a business owner. Kaprinska is a mother of four. Her family has a simple reason to remain in Ukraine: “I have a large family.” My children want to be home. They are involved in music, chess and speak English. We’re happy here, and we wouldn’t mind moving anywhere else. She said that she didn’t want to think about it. “But, the actions of the aggressor cause our to defend ourselves.
Many Ukrainians are fighting for their safety, with civilians learning to shoot guns. Stanislav Kravchenko was born in Ukraine and now lives in New York City. He said that many of his friends had originally intended to move. “On the second [day of the Russian invasion] I called them, and they were like, You know what Stan, we are not leaving. We will stay, and we will fight for our peace. My friends are also staying.”
Kaprinska’s parents, friends with Kravchenko, also decided to stay. It’s their home. Kravchenko stated that Ukraine is their home. It’s their home, their culture, their friends, and their family. They won’t leave their home.
“Why must I leave my home?” “I don’t want this,” Kravchenko’s mom Oleksandra told CBS News with Kaprinska translating.
The Kravchenko-Karinksa families made the decision to stay, but they also know that tomorrow isn’t promised. Kaprinska stated, “I don’t think we would be in a position to speak with you as this tomorrow.” “Everything happens so fast, that we don’t have the time to grasp it all and make it real. It’s not clear if the next few hours will be quiet near our homes.
Kravchenko stated that his family sought shelter in a basement after speaking with CBS News just hours earlier.
The families are aware that there is a danger to remaining in Ukraine, but it’s their home. “Honestly, I have so much in my future. Kaprinksa stated that she is at a loss. It’s not from crying to shock. Then, I realize I am very, very angry. I’m very angry.”
