Russians and Ukrainians in LA Express Concern, Frustration Over Invasion

Local residents from Ukraine and Russia expressed frustration and concern over Russia's recent invasion of Crimea.

"Everybody's afraid that this is war," said Pastor Vasile Sauciu from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. "Ukrainians don't want to have more bloodshed."

"We're in an age of civil war in Ukraine," said Vadim Pechersky from the Russian Documentation Agency. "There is a lot of crazy people on both ends who just want to participate in killings and beatings and vandelize."

Both Sauciu and Pechersky hoped the United States or European Union will intervene.

"They need to step in more aggressively. They need to do more to protect Ukraine," said Pechersky. "If that's not going to happen, there will be a civil war."

"If our leaders will not take serious actions, they will move West wise," said Pastor Sauciu. "Today is Crimea, next year, maybe the whole Black Sea and so on."

International Relations expert, Bejamin Graham, said even if Russia does withdraw its troops, the damage has already been done.

"This is a major souring in relations between the US and Russia, between Russia and Europe," said Graham. "That's not going to be good for global security and that's not going to be good for cooperation between Russia and the West on Syria, Iran."