By Kurtis Doering

Saskatoon couple worries Ukraine will never be free from Russia’s grip

Mar 16, 2014 | 9:04 AM

Ever since Maria Melenchuk and her husband Roman Pavlov moved to Saskatoon in 2010, they've been intensely following the news coming from their homeland.

But lately, Maria has been trying to avoid it.

“I don't read news anymore,” she said, “because I'm so worried… if I continue to read news, I can't eat, I can't study, I can't sleep, and so on.”

The same is not true of her husband, who has been watching the news out of Crimea ahead of their hastily-staged referendum.

“I actually think that most of the people do not support becoming part of Russia; joining the Russian Federation politically,” Pavlov said, “but it will not be an honest referendum.”

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For Pavlov, the March 16 referendum is merely an excuse for Russia to cover their aggression into the region. He also expects Russia to impose more of its will upon Ukraine.

“Ukraine will never be completely independent,” he said, “because this neighbour is interested in re-gaining complete control over the whole of Ukraine.”

Maria and Roman have been active in several of the pro-Ukrainian events staged across the province since the Kyiv protests started back in November. That includes the Automaidan convoy last month, and a number of vigils at the University of Saskatchewan, where Maria is studying to become a teacher.

Hope is the one thing they have to hold on to as Ukraine dips further into chaos.

“I live only with one hope that whatever happens in Crimea, in Ukraine, it will turn for the better” Maria said.

“I hope that this referendum will look, ultimately, illegitimate, as it is” Roman added. “And that it will not be recognized by any state except for Russia.”

That hope was made a reality Saturday, as 13 member nations of the United Nations voted to declare Sunday's vote illegal. The move was largely symbolic , as Russia cast a veto on the motion.

kdoering@rawlco.com

Follow on Twitter: @KDnewsguy