Ukrainians in North Texas hope White House meeting on ending war is successful. "Let's pray for peace"
It was a rare gathering inside the White House. President Donald Trump sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, all in hopes of moving closer to ending the war in Ukraine.
"More than anything, we just need peace," Pastor Leo Regheta said. "We just need the war to end."
Regheta is a local Ukrainian pastor and said that how to get there remains incredibly complex.
One of the toughest sticking points right now is land. Zelenskyy has repeatedly rejected Vladimir Putin's demand that Ukraine withdraw from a key region of the country.
"I agree with that because imagine living in a house that you invested your whole life in and then somebody attacks your house, your property, takes over your bedroom and says the only way you will have peace is if I live in your bedroom," said Regheta.
"The American Coalition for Ukraine urges President Trump to reject any deal that legitimizes Russia's illegal occupation of Ukrainian territory, or otherwise strengthens Russia and weakens American allies," said Marianna Tretiak, Chair, ACU Board.
As the talks continue, families who fled the conflict zone are left waiting for answers.
"I'm from the territory that is still occupied by Russian soldiers, and three years ago, all my family was forced to leave our home, our hometown," said Olena Lototska.
The Lototska family is in North Texas through the Uniting for Ukraine program, but earlier this year, the federal government paused it. That means they'll have to return home later this year.
"We need the peace, but we need to keep our lands because it seems like all the soldiers dying all 3 1/2 years, they struggled, they died for what?" said Lototska.
During the war, Regheta has gone to Ukraine six times.
"My cousins are on the front lines, still are, unfortunately, they are recovering," Regheta said. "Both of them have been badly wounded, and they desire to go back to keep fighting for Ukraine."
In a video shared on social media, Regheta said he remains hopeful and is leaning on his faith.
"Let's pray for wisdom, let's pray for justice, let's pray for peace," said Regheta.
However, he said it's clear there are still major hurdles before any agreement is reached.