For Mt. Airy resident Marina Batt, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a deadly threat to family members, who early Tuesday were stuck in the war-torn country.

“They are constantly afraid for their lives, not knowing whether there will be an airstrike,” said Batt, who immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was 7. “They are on high alert, but they are very strong people and dedicated to keeping Ukraine.” 

Batt’s father, brother and stepmother live in a small town southwest of Kyiv, the country’s capital city. Her grandfather, aunt and uncle live on a farm about five hours from the city.They spend their nights - and some of their days - huddled in basements that serve as bomb shelters.

Late last week, Batt, who owns Life Maid Easy cleaning company, posted in a Northwest Philadelphia Facebook group, pleading for help.

“I was just scrambling to find out information so [my family] could make the best possible decision for their safety,” she said. Her father and his family had tried to leave in their car, but could find no way out and returned to their condominium. 

With plights like Batt’s in mind, residents of Northwest Philadelphia protested in solidarity with Ukrainians all over the globe Friday evening at an emergency vigil outside the Unitarian Society of Germantown church in the 6500 block of Lincoln Drive.

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