Ukrainians in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys are worried for the safety of their loved ones amid concerns of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Today was an emotional day for folks like Father Steve Repa of Saint John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Sharon. Father Repa was able to speak to one of his loved ones face-to-face for the first time in a long time Wednesday.

Father Repa has not seen some of his loved ones back home in Ukraine for over four years, and fear and uncertainty surrounding to the tensions with Russia make that distance even tougher to deal with.

While Father Repa still isn't seeing his loved ones in person, speaking face-to-face virtually is still just as emotional and meaningful.

"[I'm] just happy she's OK and that I was able to make that contact," Father Repa said.

However, Father Repa fears he may lose that contact with his family and friends if Russia does end up invading his homeland.

"You don't know what's going to happen. How can you help them? What can you do? Where can you go," Father Repa said.

In addition to the emotional strain, Ukrainians are faced daily with tough decision making wondering if they should stay put or flee for their safety.

Some plan on staying in Kyiv and fighting if the invasion goes on, while others feel that they have to first send their children somewhere in more safe places while others are planning on moving to villages.

However, Father Repa is praying that it won't come to that and everyone in Ukraine will remain safe.

"Hopefully they'll be no blood shed and hopefully my relatives will be fine, but just pray for the best," Father Repa said.