Olds residents of Ukrainian descent are calling on the Canadian government and international community to take action in the crisis in Ukraine, where Russia has sent troops to occupy Crimea.“We want them to act in some way,” said Denys Smushko, who works in the paint department at Olds' Home Hardware. “I'm not a politician and I don't know how it's supposed to be, what they can really do but I want them to act in some way. And if Canada can act and can help Ukraine, it will be really nice.”Armed Russian personnel first appeared in Crimea on Feb. 28. Thousands have reportedly surrounded military bases and airports. The Russian intervention into the area comes after former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted in February following months of protests.The eastern part of Ukraine leans toward Russian influence. According to reports, Russian president Vladimir Putin said he had the right to protect Russians in the country. On March 1, the Russian parliament authorized military force to do so.Smushko, who came to Canada from Ukraine in July 2013, said his family is located in a safe part of the country. However, he added that people are worried about Russian aggression.“People are terrified, some of them,” he said. “They don't know what will it be in the future because Russian forces, military forces are in Crimea right now. They are not shooting, as I know, but they can.”Smushko's co-worker, Vova Bilousov, has similar concerns.“He is very aggressive and I can't understand what he's doing now,” said Bilousov of Putin. “I don't know who will help him because what he's doing, is not very good for him.”Bilousov said he'd support economic sanctions against Russia, but emphasizes his desire for a peaceful solution.“Not war. Only peace,” he [email protected]
