Chicago's Ukrainian Community Reflects on 4 Years Since Russia's Invasion

Ukrainians in Chicago share their experiences and hopes for peace amid the ongoing conflict.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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As the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches, Ukrainians in Chicago are taking time to reflect, pray, and express their hopes for an end to the conflict. Local business owners, students, and community members are finding ways to support their homeland and its people, even as the war continues.

Why it matters

The invasion of Ukraine has had a profound impact on the global community, and the experiences of Ukrainians living in Chicago provide a personal perspective on the ongoing crisis. Their stories highlight the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people, as well as the ways in which local communities are coming together to provide aid and support.

The details

At Ann's Bakery and Deli in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood, owner Wolodymyr Siryj continues to sell goods from Ukraine and support his family back home. He has hired Ukrainian refugees and sends money, clothes, and food to his family in Lviv. Meanwhile, students at St. Nicholas Cathedral School have organized an assembly to mark the four-year anniversary of the war, with songs, prayers, and a message that those impacted are not forgotten. The school has welcomed nearly 200 students from Ukraine over the past four years, and currently has 86 Ukrainian students enrolled.

  • Tuesday, February 25, 2026 marks four years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The players

Wolodymyr Siryj

The owner of Ann's Bakery and Deli in Chicago's Ukrainian Village, who continues to support his family in Ukraine and hire Ukrainian refugees.

Anna Cirilli

The principal of St. Nicholas Cathedral School in Chicago, which has welcomed nearly 200 students from Ukraine over the past four years.

Naadya Drozdyak

A seventh-grade student at St. Nicholas Cathedral School who helped organize an assembly to mark the four-year anniversary of the war and show continued support for Ukraine.

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What they’re saying

“Many people ask me, 'Do you think [there's] going to be an end to the war this year?' In my opinion, very unlikely.”

— Wolodymyr Siryj, Owner, Ann's Bakery and Deli

“Such things like war, no child should ever have to experience.”

— Naadya Drozdyak, Seventh-grade student, St. Nicholas Cathedral School

“We've welcomed almost 200 students from Ukraine over the past four years. Currently, we have 86 students who are from Ukraine who have come to our school within the last four years.”

— Anna Cirilli, Principal, St. Nicholas Cathedral School

What’s next

The Ukrainian community in Chicago plans to continue supporting their homeland and its people, through fundraising, advocacy, and providing aid and resources to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

The takeaway

The experiences of Ukrainians in Chicago highlight the enduring resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people, as well as the ways in which local communities are coming together to provide support and solidarity during this challenging time.