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‘Irreparable damage’: Local Ukrainian church condemns Russia’s attacks

APOPKA, Fla. — Russian forces have moved into Ukraine from the north and the south.

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A poignant moment was captured on camera about two hours after the invasion began. People were seen gathering in a courtyard in Kyiv, praying.

A Ukrainian church in Apopka sent out a message condemning Russia’s attacks.

READ: Ukraine-Russia live updates: Ukraine says 40 killed in attack

The church posted a lengthy but heartfelt message on its Facebook page.

“Irreparable damage has been done to the very logic of international relations, which are called to safeguard peace and the just order of societies, the supremacy of law, the accountability of state powers, the defense of the human being, human life and natural rights. Today all of humanity has been placed in danger—that the powerful have a right to impose themselves on whomever they wish, with no regard for the rule of law,” the Facebook post said.

Most of the churchgoers still have family in Ukraine.

READ: Biden denounces attack, says ‘Russia alone is responsible’

We also found out that many Central Floridians are still dealing with the effects of past Russian attacks on Ukraine. The unrest between the two countries has been going on for years.

We reached out to Shawn Sullivan, who runs a nonprofit called Mission 823. He works with some of the people displaced by this fight with Russia that has killed thousands of Ukrainians since 2014.

“The mood is pretty somber. There’s a lot more preparation internally than we’ve ever seen before,” Sullivan said. “First time I’ve ever seen in 22 years, bomb shelters being prepared in downtown Kyiv.”

Photos: Russia attacks Ukraine as defiant Putin warns US, NATO

Ukrainians are very proud of their freedom from the former U.S.S.R.

To have Russian troops invade their country now is the last thing any of them want.

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Q Mccray

Q McCray, WFTV.com

Q McCray is an award-winning general assignment reporter.