Russia has been carrying out attacks on Ukraine since early yesterday morning. Residents of Drenthe who have ties to Ukrainians reacted with shock to the invasion, such as Thijs Sander. He is chairman of the Assen Foundation for Ukraine, which works for the poorest population groups in the country.
Sander yesterday had contact with acquaintances in Ukraine, which had been attacked by Russia. “They are especially very shocked, they really did not expect this. It is a very strange sensation to wake up in the morning and then realize: now it is war,” says Sander. “In addition, they had thought that if Russia did strike, it would only be in the east. But now the attacks are all over Ukraine.”
‘Trying to get away from the violence’
The people with whom Sander has contact with his foundation live in the far west of Ukraine. “It’s a huge country, but people are certainly worried about what’s to come. People want to buy as much food, petrol and medicine as possible. And then they hope to get far away from the violence. In the west they try to cross the border come over with Hungary to get themselves to safety.”
Sander would like to offer help in this war situation, but runs into a wall with his foundation. “It is still difficult at the moment. The borders are closed and we can therefore not send relief supplies. And the banks are also closed and the ATMs are empty. There is no point in collecting money if they cannot withdraw it.”
Thijs Sander told last night on TV Drenthe about the war in Ukraine: