Russia attacks Ukraine: Local woman goes over 24 hours without hearing from loved ones

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Russian forces continue to invade Ukraine, attacking cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv.

Local St. Johns County mother Mariana Shatova and her husband still have loved ones in those cities, both major targets for bombs.

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As the bombings continue, Shatova says communication with family is getting worse and she didn’t hear from her mother-in-law for over 24 hours.

“We were on the phone and talking, at one point we lost the connection and we were not able to call her back, the phone was not answering it was like that the whole day,” Shatova said. “I think this was the most scariest experience of my life.”

Thankfully, her mother-in-law was contacted Wednesday and is OK. But overall conditions are still rough.

Her loved ones are living in bomb shelters to stay safe but much-needed supplies, like food and water are running thin, with lines for them longer than ever.

“They’re almost out of food and almost out of drinking water but it’s scary to go outside,” she said. “It’s scary because you could be shot and killed.”

Kyiv and its suburbs look nearly destroyed, while Kharkiv has debris everywhere. Tunnels are also crowded with Ukrainian families.

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For Shatova, she says the hardest part is not being there.

“I know it may sound weird but not to be with them. I’d rather be with them and support them and hold their hands and be together,” she said. “There is nothing else I can think of besides my family and country and making sure they are OK.”

Shatova says she talks with her loved ones in Ukraine just about all day, every day to maintain close communication. While she hopes things will change, she is constantly sending her love, prayers and support to them through the phone.

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