TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — It has been three years since Russia invaded Ukraine sparking the latest deadly conflict between the two countries.
The battles have forced many to flee and seek shelter and safety in the United States, including in Tampa Bay.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump told journalists in the Oval Office he’s looking at revoking the temporary protected status of refugees from the country that’s at war.
Tetian Chupryna lives in Tampa, and she is a Ukrainian native.
"I may not have my hometown anymore," Chupryna said.
Chupryna has been caring for her 75-year-old mother who has temporary legal status due to the war. They are from a small town in the eastern part of the country.
“My mother came to the United States. Her house was bombed. She has no windows. The roof is damaged. A lot of people lost totally everything they live for,” Chupryna said.
The White House press secretary posted on social media that no decision has been made just yet about their legal status. Reuters was first to report the Trump administration plans to change course next month. The article cited a Trump administration official as a source.
"If they're going to deport Ukrainians, then where are they going to go?,” Chupryna questioned.
Reuters also reports this plan was in place well before this when President Trump publicly clashed with the Ukrainian president.
Chupryna has met with members of Congress including Rep. Kathy Castor and the staff of Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. But since it’s a decision at the executive level, it’s unclear what power the legislature has in this matter.
“You know, we are all hanging in the air. I don't know. I don't know if they're going to be able to do anything,” Chupryna said.
Chupryna also mentioned how thankful she is for the support from America and European countries supporting Ukraine.
Rep. Kathy Castor sent a statement:
“President Trump’s capitulation to brutal dictator Vladimir Putin endangers America and freedom-loving people everywhere. I’ve met with many Ukrainian families who have found safety, community, and employment in the Tampa Bay area. They are fearful that Trump’s callous disregard for war-torn Ukraine and revocation of their temporary protected status will send them into a dangerous and deadly situation. I am appalled that Trump encouraged Putin to claim areas of Ukraine and now intends to send Ukrainian families back into harm’s way. Trump is breaking a promise made to displaced Ukrainian families that they would have a temporary haven from Russia’s war. Many more displaced Ukrainians have been sheltering in European countries, and I am grateful for their humanitarian efforts. This is particularly cruel and irresponsible, but not surprising given Trump’s coddling of brutal autocrats like Putin. It appears that he wants to be one of them.”