CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Conversations among world leaders continue as a possible peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is on the horizon.
Dr. Taras Mahlay, the president of the Cleveland Maidan Association, said he is optimistic about long-lasting peace under the right circumstances.
“We need to have that security guarantee and the world, the West, the world has to support whatever that peace is,” Mahlay said. “The two parties have to give something up, I mean that’s understandable.”
Nearly four years ago, Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine and is currently occupying regions along the border.
“They can’t give up the people that’s the problem and giving up more land, whatever, that territory is a piece of land is a piece of land,” Mahlay said. “Giving up a house, some people are very close to their house their home, but it’s a house you can get a new one, but you can’t get new people.”
Mahlay most recently visited Ukraine in September. He met with fellow physicians specifically on trauma and reconstructive surgery along with mental health.
Their goal was to share and exchange medical knowledge as the war continues to rage on for now.
He said the spirit of people in Ukraine is that they will not give up.
“If the war has to continue because they continue to invade, they’re not going to give up,” Mahlay said. “When you’re family is getting attacked you do anything for that.”
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