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Cleveland woman worried about her family in Ukraine as Russian invasion continues

"It’s been horrible. The worst few days of my life, I think."

CLEVELAND — At home, those with family and friends in Ukraine are filled with worry – as they try to stay connected to loved ones. 

Nataliya Petriv was born in Ukraine – but moved here to Cleveland with her family at the age of 10. What’s unfolding in her homeland has left her worried and scared. Some of her family and friends are still in the country.

"I get to talk to them, I get to have contact with them, so have a piece of mind but it’s been horrible. The worst few days of my life, I think," Petriv tells 3News.

Petriv has spent hours on the phone – everyday – searching for new information and checking in with family to make sure they're okay. She’s also offered help as some are in need of money to help leave the country.

"One of my best friends, I just sent her money yesterday to be able to cross the Polish border with her baby," Petriv adds. "She’s one. She had to leave her husband behind."

Petriv says she would give everything she has to help bring her family and friends to safety. "I don’t think it’s selfless. It’s family. It’s my country. I don’t care, none of this matters. I don’t care about anything else at this point."

She’s not alone. Voices here are growing with protests being held across the country. Petriv plans to head to a protest in Washington D.C. this weekend. She says at this point, it’s about raising awareness to what is happening – and offering help in any way she can to make sure family, friends and neighbors in Ukraine are safe. 

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