Ukrainian exchange student Danylo Didis, 17, is staying with a family in Lyndora and has had his stay extended due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Seb Foltz/Butler Eagle 02/28/22

Ukrainian exchange student Danylo Didis, 17, was to return to his hometown of Kyiv in January after his stay at the Lyndora home of his host, Cindy Parker.

Then Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to amass troops and the equipment of war on the Ukraine border as predictions of an impending invasion dominated the headlines.

While he had his ticket to fly home, it became increasingly evident to “Danny,” as he is known, and his parents that the safest move would be to keep him in Lyndora and continue his education at First Baptist Christian School until further notice.

It is not known when he finally will make it home to Kyiv and his family.

“He is more than welcome to stay here,” Parker said of her first exchange student. “I’m a parent. I wouldn’t want my kids in a war zone either.”

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