A rally is planned for Thursday afternoon at SIU in support of Ukraine.
SIU graduate student Diana Butsko is from Ukraine. She says she feels helpless watching what her friends and family are going through - and hopes rallies like this will bring more help for her country.
"Countries send us a lot of help, yes. They're sending us a lot of help. But we are alone in this war."
The former journalist, studying Political Science at SIUC, says her family and friends are having to make impossible choices between staying in their homes or fleeing the Russian attack. And while she sometimes feels helpless being so far away, she says she and others can make a difference here.
"Russia is doing a lot to spread its propaganda. Please, read trusted media and spread the truth. It's a horrible situation - it's war. Real war. It's not small - it's a big picture."
The rally to support Ukraine is set for 2:00PM at the Faner Plaza at SIU.
