Ukraine, Voices from the Forgotten War
by AUDRA J PITTS
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35-year-old Roman Staniev, and his wife Natalia Stanieva 27, from Odessa, Ukraine, are ready to start a new life here in the United States with their 4-year-old daughter Rosie. In March 2024, Staniev and his family spoke with this writer at the Agape House of Mercy, just before heading to the airport where they would travel to Farmington, Minnesota, and become United States Citizens. The most recent family to receive emotional support and spiritual guidance from Dr. Theresa and Scott Cianciolo came to the States with the help of the still-active U4U program.
In the early days of the war in Ukraine, Roman brought his young family to the border of Germany and said goodbye. Not knowing when or if he would ever see his wife and daughter again, Roman returned home and prayed for guidance as to what he should do. For months he sat inside his home. Roman’s faith led him to the decision to join the military forces and fight for his country. He contacted a close friend who had also joined the fight for their country, and together they contacted a commander who viewed his documents and accepted him into the military. Roman fought for months, before having the opportunity to become a medic. A total of one year and three months, before being hit by shrapnel during a grenade…
