Ceasefire talks progress as Chicago's Ukrainian community awaits outcome

CHICAGO - Talks of a potential 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine are advancing.

While Ukraine has already accepted the proposal, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he agrees in principle with the deal but has his own demands. Putin added that he plans to call President Donald Trump to discuss what he sees as the necessary path to lasting peace.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Chicago has become home to thousands of Ukrainian refugees who were forced to flee their homeland amid the ongoing war. 

Locals Weigh In:

While there would be a sense of relief if the deal moves forward, local leaders remain cautiously optimistic, citing past disappointments.

"The real key is it has to be lasting," said Zachary Dmyterko, executive director of the Ukrainian National Museum.

Over the last three years, in particular, Ukrainian Village has served as a place of refuge and solace for thousands of Ukrainian nationals. During that time, many Chicagoans welcomed them with open arms. 

The neighborhood has also hosted rallies and events to raise awareness and funding for humanitarian aid.

"Ukrainians want a just peace. We want a just peace that holds Russia also accountable for the war crimes they’ve committed in Ukraine," Dmyterko said. "All these Ukrainians who have suffered and really, really in the worst ways, had to deal with the Russian occupation."

Located on Superior Street and Oakley Boulevard, the Ukrainian National Museum is a cornerstone of the community. It houses countless cultural artifacts and exhibits detailing Ukraine's longtime conflict with Russia. 

"You’ll find everything from 16th and 17th Century Cossack artifacts to folk art, like pysanka and vyshyvanka, all the way to our latest exhibit that opened up recently on the war in Ukraine," Dmyterko said.

On Thursday afternoon, Dmyterko shared his thoughts on the potential deal.

"All efforts toward a just and lasting peace are supported," he explained. "However, it is deeply concerning that this all ultimately has been put on, like it relies on Russia, and we see that Russia does not want peace."

Likewise, the president of the Illinois Division of the Ukraine Congress Committee of America, Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak, said they are not celebrating just yet.

"There is a lot of caution about how Russia is going to behave in this process, because we’ve been there before, we’ve been through many ceasefires," said Dmytriv-Kapeniak.  

For Dmytriv-Kapeniak, the failed Minsk agreements are at the front of mind; still, she said there is hope for a positive path forward.

"People are very grateful for all the support they have received, and they are really hoping that America is going to protect what’s really important, including American security interests," she said.

What's next:

On Sunday, March 16 at 1 p.m., the Ukrainian National Museum will host an exhibit featuring the works of Ukrainian illustrator and political satirist Edward Kozak. His art highlights the relationship between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.

The event is being held in partnership with Branch 101 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America. More details can be found here.