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A Russian islander who offers support to other nationals in Jersey is urging the island's Russian and Ukrainian communities to "support each other" and not let politics drive them apart.
On Thursday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised economic sanctions against Russia after the country launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine.
The news affects not only the European continent but also Jersey, where there are residents with ties to Ukraine and Russia experiencing the shockwaves of the invasion.
Anna Kurenkova, who offers support to Russian-speaking people on the island, says that we “must all stand together” during this difficult time.
"Everyone is going to react to these events in their own way. Many people here have friends and family in both countries, so it is a very emotional time for all of us.”
Anna said that some residents feel distant from what is unfolding and feel unable to do anything but watch the events unfold.
“A lot of people had not even been following the news,” says Anna, “so to suddenly hear such alarming topics discussed in the media is frightening for them."
However, she advised: “We need to make sure we do not focus on what we are unable to do. We need to focus instead on what we can do”.
What we can do, Anna believes, is look each other.
“We are Jersey people - we are all friends, and we were not involved in the decisions made that have led to this situation.
“The economies of both countries will be affected by this, and Ukrainian people displaced by evacuations will be struggling for essentials such as medicine, food and shelter.”
Pictured: Locals must "focus on what we can do" to support each other - and that means "sticking together".
“There are people living in Jersey who have direct ties to Ukraine and Russia, and their families will be affected by this," she added.
“We must support each other, we have to stick together, and we must do what we can to help those who have loved ones affected by these events.”
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