Ukrainian Soccer Coach Pleads: 'Don't Look Away' From Ukraine War: How To Help

AZUSA, CA —Ukrainian born Southern California soccer coach Andriy Budnyy's heart is in two places these days: both with his family in Southern California and with his extended family and friends thousands of miles across the world in war-torn Ukraine.

"I saw my mom cry yesterday at the despair that lies ahead," he told Patch in an email.

He talks with his mother as often as he can. She is a Ukrainian journalist who now spends every day helping refugees, he said. For now, she is safe in her hometown outside of Kyiv, as are his cousins, nieces and nephews.

That safety is tenuous as the war with Russia wages on.

His cousins are scared to see their children shot or fall as a result of missiles, he said.

This is far from the Ukraine he left when he made his way to the United States as a 19-year-old.

Budniyy has made a life in Southern California, which he called his second home.

"I received my college degree here, played some pro soccer here, met my gorgeous wife here and finally had my two beautiful children," he said. "I love the USA. It gave me so incredibly much."

Since the war began, he spends his time explaining just how much is at stake for those who remained behind.

"Every night, those in Kyiv black out their homes. The lights go off. I hear many don't bother to go to the bomb shelters at night anymore," he told Patch. "The sirens go off. But they'd rather be home for as long as they can."

The worry for his loved ones keeps him vigilant at home, fundraising and gathering donations to take to the Ukrainian church in Los Angeles.

"I don't want to see my mom die amidst the attack on my hometown," he said. "I do not want to hear about my childhood friend having to hide with her two kids in somebody else's basement for two weeks not to get bombs rained down on them."

Budniyy is an assistant soccer coach for the men's soccer team at Azusa Pacific University and San Gabriel Valley Elite Clubs National League teams for the Legends Football Club. Budniyy and his wife live in the Azusa area with their two children.

They are living in two realities: the day-to-day life and the constant worry for his family, nephews, nieces, aunts and uncles being blown up or killed.

It can become all-consuming, even terrifying, he said.

He looks to memories of a more beautiful time in Ukraine. Born in what was then the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, he recalled the date his country became free.

"On August 24, 1991, we became a free and sovereign state, something we have been fighting and striving for centuries," he said. "There was pride and happiness of realizing we were free in a country of our own."

It is different today.

"The freedom of Ukraine is being taken away yet again, and my heart breaks for it," he said.

The guilt of being unable to "join the Ukrainian army and fight for its independence to stop this aggression" is strong, he said.

Budniyy spends much of his time praying and asked others to do the same.

"Pray for the Ukrainian doctors and nurses who are tirelessly saving lives," he said. "Pray for wisdom and compassion for all the world's leaders." He also asks that countries "shelter the sky" to help Ukraine better defend itself from planes and rockets.

Knowledge and sharing of stories are also of crucial importance, as is joining in peaceful protests across the world.

He asked for letters to members of Congress and senators to step up sanctions against Russia and its leaders.

He also asked for people to support the Red Cross in its work in Ukraine to create "Green Corridors" of humanitarian aid in the most war-torn areas.

He also asked for people to donate to charities that benefit Ukrainians and the Ukrainian army.

Chuffed.org collects funds for medicine, food, clothing, diapers, hygiene items and more.

You can ship what you buy from Amazon to St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1456 Sutherland St., Los Angeles, CA 90026. Consult the Amazon.com list of needed items, which incliudes a tactical vest, knee pads, radios, solar power banks, first aid kits and more.

St. Andrew's will fly items to Poland to be taken across the border and distributed as needed to Ukrainian people, refugees and the army, he said.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, he added.

"If you have any Russian friends, talk to them about it. Ask them if their family in Russia knows what is going on (most likely they don't, as the Russian government is conducting a massive and terrifying brainwashing campaign of their population: Russians are led to believe their army is on a "special operation" liberating mission to free Ukraine from its Nazi government)," he said.

The best way to stop the war is "through educating Russians in Russia as to what is REALLY going on," Budniyy said.

He is studying all aspects of the war and hopes that others will do the same and not look away.

A lifelong writer, Budniyy shared a poem he published as a young teen.

I want to become a butterfly and live one day, turning it into eternity
I want to land on beautiful flowers, drink their nectar, and kiss their petals
I want to swing on a sun ray, swaying high and low beneath the rainbow
I want to gather all the cries and throw them into a sea abyss...

"I want to turn back to this little butterfly and keep my mom alive, my friends and relatives safe, and my country free," he said. "Please, help. Don't just watch."