The ceasefire negotiations are intensifying through the United States between Ukraine and Russia, but those who fled the Ukrainian war over the past three years say they would believe it when they see it – even then, there are doubts.
Nataliia Vynohradova said: “I don’t believe it.
“I just know that the Russians…not only Putin,” Vynohradova said. “Some of them don’t want this war, but most of the Russians hate Ukrainians.”
She works in the Donya Ukrainian Kitchen in North Edmonton (12153 Fort Rd), which is composed almost entirely of Ukrainian refugees.
The kitchen was filled with women fleeing from terror and war violence.
Staff are watching the latest speech between the United States and its homeland. They say they are hopeful – even if they feel they shouldn't.
“It could be because I want this,” Vinohodova said. “Like in my heart, (i) believe it is possible, but my brain says 'probably not.'
“I don't believe this war will stop one day.”
Kiev accepted a U.S. proposal that could result in a 30-day pause between the two Eastern European countries. Russia has not accepted it yet.
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The deal came only a week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump and other U.S. government officials at the White House in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. government said it will now offer a ceasefire offer to the Kremlin. Trump said he has not ruled out the pressure to force Russia to join the ship.
“Hopefully we can get a ceasefire from Russia,” Trump said Wednesday. “If we do, I think it will be 80% of the end of this horrible bloody therapy.”
The Alberta Council of Ukraine's Canadian Parliament said that after three years of war, they hoped that it was. They are looking for a better future.
“People will try to normalize their new normal in some way. Stay away from shelling, there's some peace of mind.”
Congress believes that if the Russians choose not to accept the ceasefire, it will convey a bigger message.
“If they choose not to support peace, this will continue to support and consolidate Russia's aggressive and irrational behavior,” Boychick said.
The opportunity for a ceasefire should give hope to women in Ukrainian kitchens – but they see too much horror and hear too many lies to find comfort in the news.
“I really want this kind of peace, I want to go back to Ukraine,” explains Vynohradova, who left her parents and siblings behind.
“Even if my kids want to stay in Canada, I want to have the opportunity to visit my family.”
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