Elizabethtown College alumnus Vladyslav Solodovynk ‘04 has been sheltering in place in his home in Kyiv, Ukraine since Feb. 24, which marked the beginning of the Russian war on Ukraine.

Solodovynk has resided in the capital city since 2009, and the invasion of his country has wholly upended his life.

“The first day was a complete shock,” Solodovynk said to Fox 43 News in an interview. “You didn’t know what to do. You didn’t know where to go.”

Without international military intervention, Solodovynk believes that the attack on Ukraine will expand to neighboring countries. Currently, the United States has only imposed harsh sanctions on Moscow, including a ban on the imports of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas and coal.

However, there have been ongoing discussions regarding a no-fly zone, which is a militarily enforced airspace where certain aircraft are not permitted to enter. This step may aid Ukraine in its efforts against Russia but could also escalate the conflict and force outside countries to become involved.

“I hope [those fighting for Ukraine] last as long as they can, but unless we get help, I’m afraid this will not be the last democratic country invaded in Europe in the world,” Solodovynk stated.

Ukraine has banned men aged 18-60 from leaving the country in anticipation that they will be drafted. This rule will remain in effect until the end of martial law, as declared by the government. However, Solodovynk said that he has not been selected to enter the military due to his lack of experience with firearms but hopes for the success of his country.

Watch the Fox 43 interview with Solodovynk here: https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/central-pennsylvania-student-in-ukraine-kyiv-elizabethtown-university-graduate-vladyslav-solodovynk/521-639fb443-785e-41ed-a62b-81cdd6b4d9b8