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Another family will join Ukrainians who fled to Cranberry Twp.

Domenick Yarmatsevych, 3, Lyudmyla Martin, Yana and Maksym Yarmatsevych, Matvey Kisel, 12, Anna and Anatoliy Kisel, Illia Kisel, 10, Lana Kamzel, Ivan Tkachenko, 14, Irena and Alex Tkachenko, and Yegor Tkachenko, 9, pose for a portrait at the Yarmatsevych home on Tuesday in Cranberry Township. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle

CRANBERRY TWP — Huge, steaming pots of homemade food and endless carafes of coffee and tea sustain 11 adults and children seeking refuge at the crowded Ehrman Farms home of Maksym and Yana Yarmatsevych, but the fate of their relatives and friends facing the brutal war in their home country of Ukraine are never far from their minds.

The Yarmatsevyches and their son, Domenick, now 4, sleep on a convertible sofa in the basement so their friends and Yana’s mother can occupy the bedrooms.

Husband and father Anatoliy Kisel recently joined his wife, Anna, and young sons, Matvey and Illia, at the Yarmatsevych home.

“I like the lightening bugs,” Anatoliy said via Maksym’s interpretation skills.

Maks said Anatoliy thought the strange, blinking green lights were drones.

“I want to say I appreciate Maks and Yana for their kindness and help, and for taking on this financial burden,” Anatoliy said as Maks reluctantly translated the compliment.

Maks said the families would “absolutely, 1000%” do the same for he, Yana and Domenick were the situations reversed.

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com.

Related Article: Another family will join Ukrainians who fled to Cranberry Twp.

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