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Ukrainian man departing Corvallis to support his people

Ukranian flags flown outside a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, and President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda, who arrived in Ukraine on a working visit, taken Feb. 23, 2022.
President of Ukraine Flickr.com account
Ukranian flags flown outside a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, and President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda, who arrived in Ukraine on a working visit, taken Feb. 23, 2022.

A Ukrainian man is preparing to leave Corvallis this week to render aid to his country, as Russia continues its invasion.

Misha Zyryananov first met Hannah Bittner a few years ago, when she was teaching English in Ukraine. They’ve since relocated to Oregon, and have watched the reports on Russia’s attacks against Ukrainian cities. Now Misha is headed back for a couple weeks, to provide aid.

Hannah Bittner and Mykhaylo (Misha) Zyryanov.
Photo provided by Hannah Bittner.
Hannah Bittner and Mykhaylo (Misha) Zyryanov.

"Medical supplies and some personal protective gear, equipment for soldiers," he told KLCC. "We have found the organization in our city, which takes care of their soldiers.”

Hannah says she’s proud of her husband, and of the Oregonians who’ve turned out to rally in support of Ukraine.

“It sounds trite to say every little bit counts, but it actually does," she said. "Like every call to our representatives, every dollar donated like every person that comes to a protest. It's maybe it doesn't feel like a lot and maybe it feels insignificant, but like something is better than nothing. Everybody can do something.”

The trip will take two weeks, though that may be extended.

Copyright @2022, KLCC.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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