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After decades of immigration from the former Soviet Union, the ballroom dance world in the United States was predominantly Slavic in origin. But in February 2022, everything changed, as Putin’s war in Ukraine divided dancers living in New York City. Complicated allegiances and an interwoven heritage have now put a tight-knit community on uncertain ground.
Ukraine
Finding home in a bowl of borscht
“Not everybody likes this joke” Alexander Martynov, the 48-year-old owner of Prague’s Ukrainian restaurant The Borsch says, his smile widening. “I’m saying they lose their borscht virginity here.” If you happen to wander into The Borsch, located in the Vinohrady area of Prague, you’ll find a colorful display of culture and cuisine. Printed pillows hang […]
‘No genocide of ethnic minorities!’: Russian Kalmyks say Putin’s military draft is targeting them disproportionally
On Sept. 23, a group of Kalmyks — an Asian ethnic minority in Russia — called for the end of partial mobilization (military draft) in Russia, which was announced by Vladimir Putin two days prior. They claimed that the process targets the ethnic population in disproportionately large numbers. The protest took place outside of the […]
Ukrainian Museum of New York provides sanctuary for Ukrainian culture
Tucked away between bustling Second Avenue and Cooper Square, on quiet 6th Street lies the Ukrainian Museum of New York, where for only $8, New Yorkers can both discover and immerse themselves in Ukrainian culture. While visiting, guests can admire the traditional pysanky — Ukrainian Easter eggs covered in colorful dyes and intricate designs — […]
“My Life Flipped 180 Degrees”: Ukrainian NYU student grapples with war’s fallout
Come to the United States to broaden horizons. Get into a good university. Graduate with a Bachelor’s – and Master’s degree. Then after nine years of studying and living abroad, return to life back at home. Take a break. Reconnect. Find a job. That was Yelyzaveta Kindyeyeva’s plan before the crisis in Ukraine started. “Now, […]
The East Village Rallies Around Ukraine
The Saint George Ukrainian Catholic Church stands, as it has since 1911, on East Seventh Street, sandwiched between Second and Third Avenue in New York City’s East Village. The stone steps that, just a few weeks ago, were pristine are now covered with an ever-increasing number of flower bouquets and a few still-lit candles. A […]
Artists express despair over war in Ukraine at Yara Arts Group and Ukrainian Museum event
On Wednesday, March 2, around a hundred visitors sat in the main room of the Ukrainian Museum on East 6th Street in the East Village. On one wall, glass cases displayed traditional white handmade Ukrainian dresses adorned with red flowers; paintings by Ukrainian artists lined another wall. A makeshift stage with a piano, music stands […]
NYC’s Ukrainian Village Responds to the War in Ukraine
A line of people wraps around the corner of Second Avenue and East Ninth Street outside the 68-year-old Ukrainian diner Veselka. The scent of chicken paprikash and beef stroganoff fills the air as the restaurant’s busy employees work tirelessly to serve their hungry customers. A block down sits the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant, a large […]
Russian International Students Caught in the Economic Crossfire of the War in Ukraine
Blue and yellow clothes dotted the hundred-strong crowd at Washington Square Park for the second Sunday in a row. Ukraine’s azure and gold banner waved in the air as its bearers paraded around the park’s iconic fountain at the heart of New York University. Activists hoisted signs with calls for peace and demands for an […]
Ukrainians watch from afar: What will happen to their country?
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, thousands have protested every weekend on the streets of New York City calling for the support of Ukraine. In this video are the stories of some who attended the March 5 protest in Times Square. A protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine […]