KYIV, UKRAINE — As Ukraine marks the one-year anniversary of the invasion by Russian forces, a man from our area has the distinction of commemorating the event in Kyiv. Mike Rogers was also in Ukraine’s capital city when hostilities began. Rogers says the mood in Kyiv is understandably somber, though people remain resilient.
“There’s been a lot of strain just because it has been a year of war,” Rogers says. “Many people are worn down still hoping for material support from the rest of the world. We came together to make sure we’re watching out for each other, making sure everybody had food, water and other necessities.”
Rogers says as the Ukrainian people remain committed to turning back Russian forces, all different types of weapons systems are needed.
“Well for defensive purposes they still need anti-aircraft, both guns and missiles,” Rogers explains. “For offensive, more armored vehicles. But also more modern and sophisticated military communications equipment. Ammunition, artillery, small arms. As far as aircraft go, F-16s would be good. F-5 aircraft, which are older than F-16s, as a step for getting the F-16s.”
Rogers says the Ukrainian people’s fight is his fight, too. That’s why he returned to Ukraine’s capital city even as hostilities continue.
“I’m inspired by the Ukrainian people in their own efforts to be free,” Rogers says. “(That’s) going back to the Maidan Revolution going back to 2014 and the reaction after that when Russia took Crimea. The Ukrainian people forming their own volunteer battalions to fight back when the Ukrainian military wasn’t ready to do it yet.”
Rogers urges friends and neighbors back in Wisconsin to contact their elected leaders to support aid for the Ukrainian military and civilians.
