Ukrainian Refugees In Tulsa Organize Screening For Documentary On Ukraine

Dozens of refugees from Ukraine have made Tulsa home since the Russian invasion two years ago.

While the war rages on, they are worried about their families, who are still looking for safety.

"It is still very painful,” said Yana Sherdis, who could not talk to her family in Mariupol for three weeks after the Russian invasion on Ukraine.

"I'm very glad that they're alive and that they're safe and they're here now,” said Sherdis.

Sherdis moved to Tulsa seven years ago.

She interprets for her cousin Stanislav Volosiuk, who moved to Tulsa in November of 2022.

"The life is very good here for us,” said Volosiuk. “We are very grateful for this country. We like Tulsa, we like Oklahoma, we like this country."

News On 6 was there as Olga Matiash and her family landed in Tulsa in July of 2022

"I already have my favorite job,” said Matiash. “I rent my apartment."

She said she and her son had no choice but to leave their homeland.

Volosiuk and Matiash are among the dozens who moved to Tulsa through Uniting for Ukraine, a federal program that allows refugees from Ukraine to live in the United States for up to two years if they have a sponsor.

With their own futures uncertain, they're waiting for the rest of their families to move to safety.

Oscar-nominated film, "20 Days in Mariupol," shows the experiences of journalists who were trapped in the city.

Sherdis is part of a volunteer team that organized for the documentary's director to come speak at Circle Cinema on Feb. 28.

"I would like everybody to be able to see the truth about what's going on in Ukraine,” said Sherdis.

The screening of "20 Days in Mariupol" is on Wednesday, with a reception from 6 to 7 p.m., then the screening and Q-and-A session with the director, Mstyslav Chernov.

Several refugees, including the ones News On 6 talked to for this story, will be a part of discussions.

More information about the event can be found here.