The Ukrainian war has affected people all over the globe with ties to Ukraine – including Prosper residents.

Art teacher Keith Grissom has spent many years going back and forth from the U.S. and Ukraine. Originally planning only to spend six months in the country on a mission trip, Grissom formed a deep attachment to the people that resided there.

“As a stranger in a foreign land, I did not yet speak the language well,” Grisson said. “However, in the days that followed (my arrival), the people of Ukraine loved on me. They cared for me and embraced me as one of their own. In fact, when I returned to Ukraine, it was always like I was visiting family. Ukraine became my home away from home.”

Grissom wrote a letter to President Biden, on Facebook, receiving over 170 likes and 60 shares. In it, he describes the urgency he feels that the U.S. do something to aid Ukraine.

“Putin’s naked aggression against Ukraine must be met with strength from those who love freedom,” Grissom said. “Men of honor do not stand by and watch the weak be pummeled and do nothing.”

Grissom speaks highly of the people he met, and he said he was blessed to be able to interact with youth in the city of Zhytomyr, where he lived for the first six months in Ukraine.

“Ukrainians are very steadfast and loyal to their country,” Grisson said. “There’s a whole generation that was raised in communism. Once, an older Ukrainian told me that they would rather die than go back to living under a regime like that.”

Against all odds, Grissom said he has confidence in the resolve of the Ukrainian people, saying that they are “stronger than they seem.”

“People are going to resist, and people are going to fight,” Grissom said. “Old people, young people, men, women – everyone.”

Elizaveta Gryshchenko, Ukrainian citizen and mother to freshman Sofia Ayala, said she fears for her family members that are in Kyiv.

“People are terrified by the sirens that are going on and off multiple times a day,” Gryshchenko said. “They are sheltering underground with little kids and people of all ages. They have no food, water, access to grocery stores, airports. They are all closed or destroyed.”

According to Gryshchenko, who is staying in touch with her mother there, the damage from Russian attacks is costing lives already in this country, which is the home to 44 million people.

“My mom can’t travel because nobody can leave or enter the city,” Gryshchenko said. “She is alone in Kyiv, and she needs help. Some cities have no electricity and no access to any type of transportation.”

Ukrainian citizens are currently evacuating to Poland, and the trip is said to be dangerous. But, it is the only option for many.

“I am so heartbroken to see all of these people go through this tragedy. My country and my family suffering,” Gryshchenko said. “I can’t imagine how all of these innocent children and people have to go through this.”