A Ukrainian alternate pupil in Colorado is talking out about what it’s prefer to be within the U.S. and away from his household throughout the Russia-Ukraine battle. 

Ivan Kozlov, 16, is from Brovary, Ukraine, however has been in Pueblo West, Colorado, since August for a year-long pupil alternate program at Pueblo West Excessive College. In the meantime, his dad and mom and 10-year-old sister stay in Ukraine.

Kozlov instructed Fox Information Digital what his expertise has been since Russia invaded Ukraine and the way he’s reacting to the battle. 

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Kozlov stated that regardless of the 9-hour time distinction between Pueblo West and Brovary, he calls his mother when he can and texts her day by day to verify in on his household. 

Kozlov’s dad volunteered to combat within the Ukrainian military; because of security causes, the daddy isn’t capable of share particulars together with his household about the place he’s precisely. 

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Kozlov stated his dad just lately texted their household chat to allow them to know he’s OK. 

Kozlov stated his mother and sister, in the meantime, are “comparatively” secure. “As a lot as they are often proper now,” he added. 

Although Kozlov is in Colorado, his dad and mom and 10-year-old sister are nonetheless in Ukraine. Kozlov (above, left) is pictured right here together with his household. 
(Ivan Kozlov)

Regardless of the battle, Kozlov stated his household appears inspired by how the Ukrainian military is doing. 

“What I’m listening to is that they’re actually optimistic about what’s happening … We consider that we’ll win the battle,” Kozlov instructed Fox Information Digital. 

“Ukrainians are placing up a very good combat.”

— Ivan Kozlov to Fox Information Digital

“They usually assume that it’s actually necessary to deal with that proper now,” he added. 

“Everyone is specializing in all of the negativity that is occurring there,” he went on. “And naturally, it’s true. Conflict just isn’t fairly. However holding optimistic and following the information about Ukrainian army achievements actually helps.”

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Specializing in these achievements is the best way that Kozlov stays optimistic proper now — regardless that he is far-off from his residence, his household and the horrible issues which might be occurring in his nation. 

Kozlov’s dad volunteered to combat within the Ukrainian military, which Kozlov stated made him “extraordinarily proud” of his dad. Kozlov is pictured together with his dad and his sister right here.
(Ivan Kozlov)

Kozlov stated he’s consistently checking Ukraine’s Ministry of Protection Fb web page, the Fb web page of the Workplace of the President of Ukraine, in addition to different official sources to seek out out what’s occurring again residence. 

“What I’m seeing is that they’re actually doing an excellent job,” he stated. 

“Ukrainians are heroic individuals.”

— Ivan Kozlov to Fox Information Digital

“Though — I imply, we’re combating the second-largest military on this planet. So it will be bizarre if it will be simple. It’s not simple. Persons are dying. However Ukrainians are doing very well by way of defending” the nation, he stated.

“Ukrainians are placing up a very good combat.”

‘Outstanding younger man’

Ethan Corridor, Kozlov’s host dad in Pueblo West, instructed Fox Information Digital that when Russia invaded Ukraine, Kozlov was “distraught” by the information. 

Kozlov’s mother and sister are volunteering by making army nets and cooking meals for individuals with out shelter. Ivan Kozlov is proven right here together with his mother and sister.
(Ivan Kozlov)

Corridor stated that since then, he has had “very open conversations” with Kozlov about Ukraine.

“He’s a really resilient younger man,” Corridor stated. “He exhibits some very admirable management qualities.”

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“I’m pleased with him, seeing what he’s doing,” Corridor stated. “However I really feel like I’m simply the final little steerage for him. His dad and mom,” plus the younger man himself, stated Corridor, “have molded him into a really, very excellent younger man.”

Burnham Whittington is Kozlov’s English instructor at Pueblo West Excessive College. Whittington instructed Fox Information Digital that Kozlov “does every thing effectively” and “channels most of his emotion into motion and power to make change.”

Even whereas he is hundreds of miles away, Kozlov is doing his half for his residence nation of Ukraine, too. He raised virtually $9,000 in a bake sale at his highschool. Kozlov is pictured right here together with his dad and mom.
(Ivan Kozlov)

“Ivan is diligent and motivated and likes to assume,” Whittington stated. “He’s probably one of the best pupil in my English class regardless that it’s his third language.”

Whittington added, “Ivan is the kind of particular person the world has too few of. Having seen him in these instances, I do know that he’ll all the time be making this world a greater place.”

‘So many individuals are defending their streets’

Kozlov’s household continues to be attempting to assist Ukraine amid battle on their very own soil. 

Whereas his dad is combating within the Ukrainian military, Kozlov’s mother and sister are making army nets and are cooking meals for individuals who have misplaced their houses and shelter.

“I am proud to be Ukrainian. I am pleased with my nation and I am pleased with Ukrainian individuals.”

— Ivan Kozlov to Fox Information Digital

“They’re attempting to assist the Ukrainian military as a lot as they’ll,” Kozlov stated. 

“And they don’t seem to be alone,” he added. “So many individuals are defending their streets and they’re succeeding.”

Dwelling hundreds of miles from his place of origin, Kozlov is doing his half, too. 

He introduced in virtually $9,000 in a bake sale fundraiser at his highschool. The funds might be going to the Ukrainian Pink Cross and Razom for Ukraine. 

Kozlov stated he felt it was necessary for him to deal with the difficulty of closing the airspace over Ukraine.

“Ukraine actually, actually requires NATO to shut the airspace over Ukraine,” he stated. “It’s essential for the security of civilian individuals in Ukraine, as a result of Russia has been shelling not solely army bases, they’ve been attacking civilian individuals.”

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“Youngsters are dying,” he added. “It’s not solely about army anymore. Common individuals are struggling, too. And this is without doubt one of the steps that our worldwide allies, that NATO, can take to assist Ukraine to cease the battle.”

He additionally inspired Individuals who assist Ukraine to donate to locations just like the Pink Cross, UNICEF and the Ukrainian military. 

“All of these organizations are actually making a distinction in Ukraine,” Kozlov stated. “And if Individuals may assist them, they may contribute to the hassle. That’s extraordinarily necessary and it’s extraordinarily wanted.”

Kozlov stated the invasion of Ukraine got here as a shock to him, however he’s pleased with his fellow Ukrainians who’re defending their residence.

“It’s not one thing that I might assume would occur to my nation, but it surely’s probably not about me or my household,” Kozlov stated. 

“As a result of it includes all of the Ukrainians and Ukrainians are heroic individuals.”

“I’m proud to be Ukrainian,” he added. “I’m pleased with my nation and I’m pleased with [the] Ukrainian individuals. We’re doing every thing we will to cease the battle.”