Acting Mayor Johnson visits Ukrainian church service, shows support for country
MILWAUKEE, (CBS 58) -- Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson, showing support for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, visited St Michaels Ukrainian Catholic Church Mass Sunday morning, taking questions from members of the congregation and more.
We continue to learn more about damages to Milwaukee's sister city, Irpin. As an official with Irpin's sister city program there was Sunday as well.
"One day, people wake up ready to their everyday life, and they wake up to bombardment," said Boris Nayflish, an affiliate with the Irpin sister city program.
He said the city is in shambles right now, infrastructure, water, and food supplies all destroyed as they face down a 40-mile convoy of Russian soldiers.
Reportedly, eight people have been killed there.
"From that day moving forward nothing is going to be the same," said Nayflish.
Friday, Acting Mayor Johnson spoke with Irpin Mayor Alexander Markushin as the city continued to be shelled.
Sunday, church members said a refugee family has already arrived in Milwaukee. Johnson spoke on their plans to support these people.
"I stand here today because I want to ensure you and your community that Milwaukee welcomes immigrants and refugees alike," said acting Mayor Johnson. "Like so many others I want to show my alignment with you."
Nayflish said he's glad to hear the support for Irpin and Ukraine as a whole.
"I'm really thankful for the mayor to extend his support, to extend his friendship," said Nayflish.
He said he's also hoping more can be done, especially for our sister city.
"I'm reaching out to the city of Milwaukee to immediately establish a fund for recovery for the city of Irpin," said Nayflish.
He said he hopes establishing such a fund could enhance the bond between Milwaukee and Irpin.
Cavalier johnson says it's something the city can consider.
"I don't have a definitive answer to that right now," said Johnson when asked if it's something that could be done. "But we'll certainly look at it."