On Saturday, all Roman Fedosieiev could do was run. He organized a 5K with the Ukrainian Running Club on Manhattan's west side to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine and raise funds for humanitarian organizations working in the country. 

But back home in Ukraine, his parents are living with the new reality of their war-torn country.

“It’s really it’s pain and hell to hear my mom crying on the phone and sometimes I feel like I cannot help them, but it’s really hard,” Fedosieiev said. “You can’t describe how it feels.”


What You Need To Know

  • Runners gathered Saturday in Battery Park City showing their support for the people of Ukraine

  • Runners gathered Saturday showing their support for the people of Ukraine

  • Ukrainian Running Club New York held the event

  • Participants were able to donate to Razom for Ukraine and Revived Soldiers Ukraine

Fedosieiev organized the run with his home country in mind. He came to the United States six years ago from Ukraine. 

“I’m staying in touch with my mom and my dad to help them the best I can,” organizer Roman Fedosieiev said.

The runners took off at Pier A Plaza and headed towards Pier 25 along the Hudson River. Participants donated to Razom for Ukraine and Revived Soldiers Ukraine. Razom is a volunteer organization based in New York that has spent the last decade providing medical supplies and humanitarian aid to Ukrainians. Revived Soldiers Ukraine does similar work, providing medical aid and other supplies to injured Ukrainian soldiers and military hospitals.

Amy Ko-Tang came from New Jersey because she said she has seen firsthand the power of showing up for important causes.

“I just wanted to show some support for people who are suffering for people who really need a lot of hugs and warmth right now,” Ko-Tang said. “We came out last March when there was the Asian hate movement. We saw people from all different walks of life coming to support us and I felt that love I felt that support and I just wanted to reciprocate that to another community.”

Organizers shared before and after photos of the attacks and drew support from one another.

“As our president said, the light will always win over darkness and democracy will win over the evil,” organizer Tetiana Samokysh said.

Many of the participants have family and friends in Ukraine and they said, they are taking one day at a time.