Ukrainian immigrants in Maine fret over crisis

PORTLAND – The political crisis unfolding in Ukraine has brought both hope, despair, and worry to Ukrainian immigrants in Maine.

At a time when their native country seems to be at a dreadful tipping point, Larissa and Alexander Timchenko of South Portland are some 4,500 miles from home and fret their country could be divided into two nations.

The Timchenkos fear that such an outcome would create visa problems and separate them from their parents, who live in eastern Ukraine near Russia.

They are thankful that both sides in the political conflict have so far avoided violence, and from reports they get from relatives, they are convinced that a new election will be scheduled.

Typically, Ukrainian immigrants settle in large metropolitan areas inside the United States. The Ukrainian community in Maine is small and scattered.

Political tensions have risen this week as the country remains embroiled in a disputed election. Ukraine’s Supreme Court has begun considering an appeal by opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko of the Nov. 21 election.

The high court’s ruling could pave the way for a new vote, which the opposition is demanding, or remove the only barrier to the inauguration of Viktor Yanukovych, the Kremlin-backed candidate.

Many Ukrainians in Maine support Yushchenko, arguing that he would make Ukraine more prosperous and more independent from Russia.

Olena Mitenko, 35, of South Portland said the political crisis has hurt the country’s economy. Her mother, who lives in Ukraine, hasn’t been receiving pension checks and has had her wire money to help pay bills.

Mitenko said her worries have led to difficulty at work.

Like many Ukrainian immigrants, she searches the Internet and calls friends and family members at home for updates on the crisis.