Chicago's Ukrainian Community Watches U.S.-Ukraine Talks
CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s Ukrainian community watched closely Monday as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, hoping the talks will produce concrete help for relatives still in Ukraine.
Community Perspectives and Historical Context
Entrepreneur Natalie Acevedo recalled her grandparents leaving Ukraine in 1949 to escape Russian forces. She said the community wants a constructive meeting that reaffirms Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Diplomatic Developments Amid Ongoing Conflict
Zelenskyy held talks with Trump and European leaders as the war with Russia moves into its third year. Their previous encounter at the White House ended in a heated exchange, and with casualties mounting, many say the need for a durable solution is urgent.
Personal Stories and Community Involvement
Yulia Skuibida, a board member of Self‑Reliance Federal Credit Union who volunteered at the Polish border in 2022, has half her family still in Ukraine. “No one wants peace more than Ukrainians — we are the ones fighting and losing lives every day,” she said.