Maryland exchange students, families send messages of gratitude from Ukraine after fleeing Kyiv – CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Mike Bubnov and his family are safe in an undisclosed location in Ukraine after fleeing Kyiv.

He developed a special relationship with Maryland after attending Kent Island High School as an exchange student shortly before the pandemic began.

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Mike played there and developed a close relationship with the host family.

Last week, we told you about a former exchange student at Kent Island High School — and how the community raised funds to help his family after they moved out of Kyiv. Tonight on WJZ, their message of gratitude and hope. @wjz #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/Imzv5Kmcvr

– Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) March 16, 2022

Last week, WJZ told you how people he meets on the East Coast are keeping in touch with him and are concerned for his safety.

The Bubnov family has now sent out a video to supporters in Maryland, grateful for their help.

“We never thought we would need to run away from such circumstances again in our lives. We never thought that war would come and come to our homes again,” Mike said, as he translated a message from his father. His parents and younger brother were sitting with him. “We feel your prayers.”

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This was the second time they had to move because of the war. They left the Donbas region in 2014 following a violent Russian invasion that followed. “We had to leave everything behind. I said.

Now, war is raging across the country puts families like the Bubnovs at risk.

On Wednesday, the president of Ukraine asked Parliament for help.

“Being a leader of the world means being a leader of peace. Peace in your country depends not only on you and your people. It depends on who is next to you and who is strong,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Strong does not mean big, strong is brave and willing to fight for the lives of its citizens and citizens of the world, for human rights, for freedom, the right to live in peace and Be dead when your time comes, not when. it is wanted by someone else, your neighbor. ”

On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a direct request to members of Congress for the United States to help create a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

– CBS News (@CBSNews) March 16, 2022

Speaking directly to Mr. Biden, Zelenskyy said, “You are the leader of your nation, of your great nation. I wish you to be the leader of the world. To be the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace.”

President Biden called Russian President Putin a “war criminal” for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine began. pic.twitter.com/GtwIasqMNH

– CBS News (@CBSNews) March 16, 2022

Mike Bubnov’s host family has set up a fundraiser that has now reached $10k to help pay for accommodation and other relocation expenses.

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“This time we are a lot stronger because we have more support. We have you, our American friends and family,” Bubnovs said in their video. “We cannot express our gratitude for your words but especially for your actions. Thank you very much.”